Intense Clashes Kill 61 In Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka (AHN) - At least 58 Tamil Tiger rebels and a security personnel were killed in fierce clashes in the country's embattled northern region, officials said on Wednesday. The bodies of two civilians who were murdered were also found, according to Press Trust of India (PTI) reports.

More than 13 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels were killed on Wednesday in intense fighting between rebels and security forces at Kalliadanchan, less than a mile north of an ancient water reservoir in Mannar, the defense ministry said. Sri Lankan Air Force fighter jets targeted a secret LTTE leadership summit, west of Visuamadu Kulam in Mullaittiuvu on Wednesday morning.

A soldier also lost his life and 12 others injured in the confrontations, the ministry confirmed.

Meanwhile, two civilians were found in Nochchiyagama; both were found dead, presumably from bullet wounds. Police are investigating the crime, but have so far determined no motive and have compiled no suspects.

The rebels have been battling for an independent homeland since 1972 in an ethnic conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.