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Today's paper. Last Updated: 06/02/2012

200 Killed in Sri Lankan Battles

COLOMBO -- At least 200 people were killed as Sri Lankan troops and Tiger rebels were locked in heavy fighting on the northern Jaffna Peninsula for the third day, the Sri Lankan army said Tuesday.


Diplomats said the latest upsurge could be the start of a widely expected all-out government offensive on the northern stronghold of Tamil separatists.


The army, starting its operation codenamed Thunder Strike at daybreak on Sunday, aimed to sweep the rebel areas before the arrival of the monsoon rains in mid-October, the diplomats said.


The Tigers launched a counteroffensive at midnight Monday.


Rebel radio reported that 50,000 residents had also been left homeless by the intense fighting.


"Thousands of civilians are fleeing their homes towards Chavakachcheri [south of Jaffna]," Tiger Radio, monitored in the frontline government-controlled town of Vavuniya, said.




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