DATE=1/1/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKA/WAR (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-257693
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Dozens of soldiers and Tamil Tiger rebels have
been killed in northern Sri Lanka as fighting
continues into the new millennium. Vandana Chopra has
the details from Colombo.
TEXT: Military officials say the army has advanced
slightly in heavy fighting with Tamil Tiger rebels
near the key Elephant Pass military base.
Defence Ministry officials say front-line troops came
under heavy mortar fire but moved forward about 500
meters. They said the soldiers were now digging in at
their new positions.
The Elephant Pass military complex has been under
attack by Tiger separatists because it is on the
causeway that links the Northern Jaffna peninsula with
the rest of Sri Lanka.
Security officials say the army - helped by the air
force and navy - pushed back rebel attempts to breach
the camp's defenses and also prevented guerillas in
boats from landing near the military base.
In recent weeks, Tiger guerrillas have stepped up
attacks on military bases. Last month, the guerrillas
launched simultaneous attacks on Pallamadu,
Periyamadu, Palampiddy and Madu and overran the
military bases in these areas.
In a matter of days, the government lost most towns
that the military had taken over two years to capture
and faced its biggest military setback in the 16-year
civil war.
Independent confirmation of events is not possible
because journalists are not allowed in the war-torn
areas.
Tiger separatists have been fighting for a separate
homeland for the minority Tamil community in Sri
Lanka's North and East since 1983. (SIGNED)
NEB/VC/JP
01-Jan-2000 10:18 AM EDT (01-Jan-2000 1518 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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