Monday, September 25 2006 15:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: The Sri Lankan Navy sunk 11 ships belonging to the Tamil Tigers during a five-hour sea battle overnight to today (Sept 25,2006), killing more than 70 rebels and injuring 30, said the military. The fighting broke out off Mullaitivu, 360 km northeast of the capital, after the navy detected about 25 boats carrying rebels moving southwards towards Trincomalee at 9:45 p.m. Sunday, according to a defence ministry spokesperson. Navy fast attack crafts were deployed to prevent the rebels who were believed to be carrying arms and ammunition towards the eastern districts of Batticaloa, he said. The Ministry of Defence claims nine boats were sunk, two caught fire and 14 were seen fleeing, though five of the Tiger boats were being towed. Navy sources said one of its vessels was slightly damaged during the exchange of fire and five sailors were injured. There has been no confirmation from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on the battle. The conflict puts in jeopardy a meeting agreed upon by the Tigers and the government to end the flare-up in fighting that has killed hundreds of civilians, troops and rebels since late July.