Fighting kills 19 in Sri Lanka: military

Sri Lankan government forces have killed 16 Tamil Tigers and lost three of their own troops in the latest clashes across the north of the island, the defence ministry said Wednesday.

The fighting on Tuesday also saw government jets raid the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) northern capital of Kilinochchi, the objective of the current offensive.

At least 6,862 rebels have been killed by security forces since January, according to ministry figures, while 672 soldiers have died during the same period.

There was no comment from the LTTE, although the pro-rebel Tamilnet website reported the rebels set off a roadside mine in the eastern town of Batticaloa on Tuesday, killing two government soldiers.

The Sri Lankan government pulled out of a ceasefire with the rebels in January, and is currently trying to dismantle their northern mini-state.

Aid organisations say the fighting has forced around 230,000 people from their homes.

"Aerial bombardments, shelling, and small arms fire, in areas close to Kilinochchi town continue to be reported as the military campaign has intensified," the UN's Inter-Agency Standing Committee said in a statement.

Most foreign aid workers evacuated the northern area last week after being told to leave by the government.

The Tigers have been fighting for an independent homeland for the Tamil minority since 1972. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict.