DATE=3/28/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKAN STRIFE / L-O
NUMBER=2-260669
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Heavy fighting in northern Sri Lanka has
reulted in the deaths of at least 32 government
soldiers and an officer. Vandana Chopra has the
details from Colombo.
TEXT: Military officials say Sri Lankan troops and
Tamil Tiger rebels are exchanging heavy artillery and
mortar fire east of Pallai, 320 kilometers north of
Colombo.
A defense ministry statement says a key detachment
came under heavy fire and was pulled back to an
alternative position. A clearing operation was
launched in the area where they had confronted the
Tiger rebels.
Meanwhile -- in a statement from their London
headquarters -- the Tiger rebels say they launched a
massive sea and land attack and overran several army
camps near the Elephant Pass base camp.
Rebel guerrillas claim they have succeeded in cutting
off the government supply routes to Yakachchi and
Elephant Pass -- two strategic bases guarding the
gateway to the Jaffna Peninsula.
Since November, Tamil separatists have mounted several
attacks on the strategic Elephant Pass base camp.
Meanwhile, a navy spokesman says the government has
stepped up patrol in the northern waters after it sank
two rebel boats and badly damaged another.
Security officials say the casualty figures are likely
to rise, as fighting continues.
Independent confirmation of events is not possible.
Journalists are not allowed in the war-torn areas.
Rebel guerrillas have been fighting for a separate
homeland for the minority Tamil community in Sri
Lanka's north and east since 1983. (signed)
NEB / VC / WD
28-Mar-2000 05:24 AM EDT (28-Mar-2000 1024 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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