Fierce fighting is again raging around the northern town of Killinochchi as government forces resume their offensive on the headquarters of the Tamil Tigers, military officials said yesterday.
At least 25 soldiers have been killed and 200 rebel casualties reported by the military on the first day of fighting, as troops flanked by armoured vehicles and helicopter gunships advanced from government positions in the town of Paranthan, six kilometres north of the rebel stronghold.
Government troops are reported to have moved to within three kilometres of Killinochchi amid heavy resistance from the Tiger fighters.
The rebels have been strengthening their defences since July, when the military launched an aborted assault.
The Defence Ministry said yesterday that troops were consolidating the newly captured areas.
War planes have been flying repeated battle sorties over the area, attacking rebel positions in and around Killinochchi, which the Tamil Tigers say has been the target of an intense artillery barrage for more than a week.
The rebels say civilians living around Killinochchi are being placed in 'grave danger' by the latest Sri Lankan military action.