In fierce clashes between Sri Lankan security forces and LTTE militants, 16 Tamil Tiger rebels and one soldier were killed in island nation's embattled north.
COLOMBO: In fierce clashes between Sri Lankan security forces and LTTE militants, 16 Tamil Tiger rebels and one soldier were killed in island nation's embattled north, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.
Six soldiers also sustained injuries during the clashes, it said.
"Tiger rebels repeating their provocative criminal acts once again fired mortars towards the troops manning the Kilaly and Muhamale Forward Defence lines in Jaffna early today," the defence ministry said in a statement.
Troops, responding to the attack, killed three LTTE militants, forcing others in their bunkers to abandon and escape, it said, adding the army destroyed some bunkers also.
One soldier also lost his life in self-defence during the clash, the ministry said, adding another army man received injuries and was admitted to hospital.
"After about five minutes, a similar attack targeting the Muhamale FDL was carried out by the militants but the counter-fire by the security forces killed five LTTE militants, it said, adding one bunker was also destroyed.
Meanwhile, in Northern Vavuniya, two Tamil Tiger rebels were killed in a confrontation with army troops on Monday in Kurisuddikulam.
Another rebel was killed in a confrontation at Vilathikulam in Vavuniya on Monday.
In North-western mannar, five militants were gunned down in a confrontation with army troops last evening.
Meanwhile, two soldiers were wounded in a mine explosion in Periyathampanai in Vavuniya yesterday, the Media Centre for National Security said, adding three soldiers were also wounded in a mortar attack by LTTE militants in the same area last evening.
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