39 Tamil Tigers die in Sri Lanka fighting

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, July 21 (UPI) -- Heavy fighting broke out Monday in Sri Lanka, with 39 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebels slain as troops advanced on LTTE strongholds, officials said.

Military commanders said the heaviest fighting was reported in northern Sri Lanka near Mannar where troops and Army commandos captured the largest LTTE base in the Illupakadavai area, located a few miles north of Vidattaltivu, the Columbo Page reported. Some 23 LTTE rebels were slain there and five others were injured, while one government soldier was reported injured.

Meanwhile in Vavuniya, nine LTTE members were killed and five Sri Lankan soldiers were injured.

Sri Lankan government officials say they have stepped up the military campaign to liberate the areas under LTTE control. The Defense Ministry told the newspaper that 5,060 Tiger rebels have been killed since the start of the year and 447 government soldiers have died.