Military: 43 killed in Sri Lanka clashes

New fighting in northern Sri Lanka has killed 41 Tamil Tiger rebels and two soldiers, the military said Sunday.

Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said the fighting Saturday occurred along the Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya fronts.

In the worst clashes, 20 rebels and a soldier were killed in Vavuniya, he said. Seven Tigers and a soldier were killed in Mannar and 14 rebels died in Welioya, Nanayakkara said.

About 260 guerrillas have been killed in the past nine days, according to the military. It claims to be steadily moving into rebel territory, capturing villages and small towns and causing heavy casualties among the insurgents.

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