DATE=9/11/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKAN FIGHTING / L-O
NUMBER=2-266332
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Sri Lanka's state media says security forces
gained new territory in fierce fighting in the
northern Jaffna Peninsula, Sunday. For the Sri Lankan
troops, it was their second offensive in a week to
recapture territory lost to Tamil Tiger rebels. As
Vandana Chopra reports from Colombo, almost 100
combatants are reported to have been killed in heavy
fighting.
TEXT: Defense ministry officials say troops backed by
ground-attack aircraft and navy gunboats advanced
three kilometers into territory held by the guerrillas
on the northern Jaffna Peninsula.
Military officials say 13 rebel bunkers were
destroyed, as artillery and air force fire neutralized
the guerrilla mortar and gun positions.
Sunday's offensive was the second major thrust against
the Tiger separatists in the last week.
Political analysts say the government is under
pressure to achieve a military victory against the
rebels to attract the majority Sinhala nationalist
votes.
Independent confirmation of battle information is
difficult to obtain because journalists are not
allowed in battle areas and Sri Lanka's government
censors journalists.
The offensive came as incidents of election-related
violence escalated, with unidentified gunmen killing
two Sri Lanka's ruling party candidates. Police
officials say more than 100 incidents of election-
related violence have been registered.
The European Union has agreed to send 88 poll
observers to monitor the October 10th election.
// REST OPTIONAL //
The rebels 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
11-Sep-2000 04:28 AM LOC (11-Sep-2000 0828 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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