Aerial attack in Lanka; 18 Tamil rebels killed

Aerial attack in Lanka; 18 Tamil rebels killed
ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLOMBO, APRIL 6: Sri Lanka unleashed an air assault with attack helicopters and jet fighters against Tamil rebels today, killing at least 18 guerrillas in the 12th day of battle for a vital land bridge in the north, the military said.

MI-24 helicopters and Kfir jets bombed rebel positions, stepping up the counter attack after losing outposts to the rebels in the fight for Elephant Pass. It was the first time jet fighters were called into action in this battle.

Meanwhile, about 1,000 people in Jaffna city rallied outside the local administrative office today, demanding the International Committee of the Red Cross provide safe passage for more than 4,000 civilians trapped in fighting for Elephant Pass.

The military admitted losing 12 soldiers since yesterday, but a Tamil rebel radio station claimed 25 soldiers were killed. The Voice of the Tigers broadcast did not mention rebel casualties.

Defence Ministry spokesman Col. Ranjith Witana said 26 soldiers were wounded as the military tried to wrest back positions around the causeway.

Elephant Pass links the mainland to the Jaffna Peninsula. Its fall to the rebels would open the way for an attack on Jaffna City, the former rebel capital that the army seized in 1996.

There was no independent confirmation of the rival casualty claims, as journalists are barred from visiting the war zone.