DATE=10/29/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SRI LANKA FIGHTING (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-255617
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: There has been renewed fighting between
government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels in the north
of Sri Lanka. Vandana Chopra reports from Colombo
that at least 54 people have been killed in the latest
battle.
TEXT: Defense Ministry officials say the battle
started when Sri Lankan troops began securing regions
they captured Thursday in the northern jungle region,
Wanni.
According to the Defense Ministry, 35 government
troops were wounded in addition to those killed. It
said the troops destroyed Tamil Tiger hideouts and
confiscated weapons in the formerly revel-controlled
town of Oddusuddan.
Journalists are not allowed in the combat regions so
independent confirmation of the government claims was
unavailable.
The Tamil Tiger rebels did not immediately respond to
the government claims.
Fighting between the government and rebels has
increased in recent months, with battles reported in
the north and east of Sri Lanka.
The Tiger rebels have been fighting for an independent
homeland for the minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka
since 1983. The government says more than 50-thousand
people have been killed in the fighting since the
ethnic war started.
In an attempt to bring the war to an end, the ruling
government coalition is holding elections almost one
year ahead of schedule, in December. (SIGNED)
NEB/VC/JP
29-Oct-1999 11:45 AM EDT (29-Oct-1999 1545 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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