Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

Sri Lankan Forces, Tamil Tigers Battle in North
-----------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?r=279&ctl=139228A:A6F02AD83191E160A197F16DA6BEA7099574F7DCC14957C0 Government says
rebels began offensive in an attempt to recapture Tamil-majority area
they lost in 1995



" hspace=2
src="/english/images/ap_sri_lanka_military_vehicules_19aug06_eng_195.jpg"
width=210 vspace=2 border=0>

Sri Lankan soldiers stand on a road, as vehicles preparing to leave
for rebel-controlled area wait in Vavuniya, northern Sri LankaThe Sri
Lankan military reports new exchanges of artillery and mortar fire
with Tamil Tiger rebels trying to break through government lines to
capture Jaffna town and the northern Jaffna peninsula.

A Defense Ministry spokesman Major Upali Rajapakse said Sunday the
rebels began an offensive nine days ago in an attempt to recapture the
Tamil-majority area they lost in 1995. He said the military has
successfully resisted the push.

Hundreds of rebels, government troops and civilians have been killed
in the latest fighting. The military says more than 80 rebels were
killed since Friday, but there was no immediate reaction from the
Tigers.

The United Nations has appealed to the warring sides to allow aid
workers to deliver supplies. The U.N. says refugees cut off by the
fighting are running short of food and water. Some information for
this report was provided by AFP and AP.


.