Sri Lankan troops take rebel hospital

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, March 12 (UPI) -- Sri Lankan army troops Thursday claimed to have captured a Tamil Tigers hospital at Puthukkudiyiruppu.

Lanka Page reported the government forces overtook the medical facility after fierce fighting the previous few days.

Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the troops were able to enter the hospital after killing some rebels and chasing others away from the area.

The Tamil Tigers had accused the military of shelling the hospital, a claim the government denied.

Heavy fighting continued in and around the area, Lanka Page said. The Sri Lankan government has battled the rebel forces for years but in recent months has made significant advances and now claims to have the Tigers cornered in a small northern region of the country.