Date:22/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/22/stories/2008082255391500.htm

International

LTTE bases pounded

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Air Force launched attacks on Tamil Tiger rebels along the northern front lines on Thursday, while clashes killed eight rebels and two soldiers, said the military.

Helicopter gunships hit a rebel fortification early on Thursday in the northern district of Vavuniya, said Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara.

Hours later, helicopters attacked another rebel stronghold in the Mullaitivu district, he said. He said the attacks were launched in support of army troops fighting in those area. Details of damage and casualties were not available immediately, he said. Meanwhile, infantry clashes continued on Wednesday in Vavuniya, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Welioya regions, said a military spokesman. — AP