The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Colombo

Sri Lankan government jets bombed a Tamil Tiger training base as fighting across the northern region claimed at least another 29 lives, the defence ministry said Saturday.

Air force planes conducted bombing raids against a Tiger rebel base in Mullaittivu in the northeast early Saturday, leaving the training facility in ruins, the ministry said.

"The enemy target had been under constant surveillance and latest air reconnaissance information has revealed intensified terrorist activity in the area," the statement said.

Security forces also destroyed five rebel bunkers and killed at least 29 Tigers during confrontations in Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna and Weli Oya on Friday, the ministry said, putting government losses at seven soldiers injured.

There was no immediate comment from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who have been fighting for a separate state for minority Tamils since 1972.