32 rebels, 2 soldiers die in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, July 4 (UPI) -- Fighting in Sri Lanka's northern region Friday left 32 rebels and two government soldiers dead, the Asian nation's military said.

Sri Lankan troops overran a Tamil Tigers' camp known as 'Michael Base' located a few miles north of Janakapura, Lanka Page reported.

The government forces are trying to cut off the rebels' sea supply route, Lanka Page said.

The Sri Lankan government claims its troops have killed more than 4,000 rebels since stepping up its military campaign this year. However, the newspaper said independent verification of casualty figures is not possible because media access to the battle zone is restricted.