This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/7566667.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
S Lankan army 'takes rebel base' | S Lankan army 'takes rebel base' |
(20 minutes later) | |
Sri Lanka's military say they have captured a training complex of the Tamil Tiger rebel group, complete with 100 underground bunkers. | |
The government says its forces are now 15km (nine miles) from Kilinochchi, the rebels' administrative hub. | The government says its forces are now 15km (nine miles) from Kilinochchi, the rebels' administrative hub. |
There is concern over tens of thousands of people displaced by the fighting who are converging on the town. | There is concern over tens of thousands of people displaced by the fighting who are converging on the town. |
In recent weeks, Sri Lankan troops have broken through the Tamil Tigers' defences in the north of the island. | In recent weeks, Sri Lankan troops have broken through the Tamil Tigers' defences in the north of the island. |
They have taken control of towns, villages and bases. | They have taken control of towns, villages and bases. |
On Saturday soldiers captured a rebel training complex in Welioya after Tiger fighters fled the area. | On Saturday soldiers captured a rebel training complex in Welioya after Tiger fighters fled the area. |
Military spokesman Brig Udaya Nanayakkara said it contained lecture halls as well as the bunkers. | Military spokesman Brig Udaya Nanayakkara said it contained lecture halls as well as the bunkers. |
Thousands flee | Thousands flee |
In fighting elsewhere across the north on Saturday, the military says 27 rebels and seven soldiers were killed. | In fighting elsewhere across the north on Saturday, the military says 27 rebels and seven soldiers were killed. |
Repeated attempts to contact the Tigers by phone and e-mail have gone unanswered in recent days. | Repeated attempts to contact the Tigers by phone and e-mail have gone unanswered in recent days. |
Government officials have said they aim to defeat the rebels before the year is out and end the island's 25-year civil war. | Government officials have said they aim to defeat the rebels before the year is out and end the island's 25-year civil war. |
The United Nations estimates up to 75,000 people have fled the fighting since the start of June and many have converged on the town. | The United Nations estimates up to 75,000 people have fled the fighting since the start of June and many have converged on the town. |
Cabinet Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the forces were holding back in some areas while the government considered how to get the civilians out. | Cabinet Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the forces were holding back in some areas while the government considered how to get the civilians out. |
He accused the Tigers of using them as a human shield. | He accused the Tigers of using them as a human shield. |
Relatively few civilians have crossed into government-controlled areas and last week Amnesty International alleged the government was putting those who have into what they called "de facto detention centres". | Relatively few civilians have crossed into government-controlled areas and last week Amnesty International alleged the government was putting those who have into what they called "de facto detention centres". |