The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Colombo

Sri Lankan troops killed 42 Tamil Tigers and injured 53 in a ground and sea offensive aimed at dismantling the rebels' mini-state in the north of the island, the defence ministry said Friday.

Two soldiers were killed in Thursday's clashes, and another 20 injured, said military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara.

The military says the rebels have lost 7,158 fighters since January, when Colombo pulled out of a Norwegian-brokered ceasefire.

The defence ministry has acknowledged the loss of 697 soldiers over the same period.