Colombo: At least 43 Tamil Tigers were killed in fierce ground clashes with security forces in Sri Lanka's embattled north as Air Force jets pounded a key LTTE military base in the rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu, officials here said today.

Troops killed 12 LTTE rebels in Parikariperiyakulam area of northern Vavuniya in a confrontation yesterday, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.

Separately, three guerrillas were killed in Kattankulam yesterday, the MCNS said, adding one more rebel died in Nedunkandal while three others were gunned down in Sirikulam.

It said three LTTE cadres were killed in a clash with security forces at Thandikulam in Mannar.

In another incident, at least six rebel were killed in Andankulam in Mannar yesterday, the army said, adding seven more guerrillas were shot dead in Periyapandivirichchan area of Vavuniya. One rebel was also killed in Mullikulam area.

Seven LTTE cadres were gunned down by security forces in separate clashes in north-eastern Welioya yesterday, the Defence Ministry said.

Meanwhile, Air Force fighter jets pounded the LTTE's military base called Radha Base at Peravilkulam in northern Mullaitivu this morning, the MCNS said.
Source : PTI