Colombo: At least 25 LTTE militants and three Sri Lankan soldiers were killed in fierce clashes between security forces and Tamil Tiger rebels in the island nation's embattled north and southern region, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

"At least 23 LTTE rebels were reported killed and 10 wounded in clashes between troops and Tamil Tiger rebels at the Wanni (in the north) and Northern fronts yesterday," it said.

Meanwhile, two LTTE militants were shot dead yesterday during a confrontation near Northern Vavuniya, the Media Centre for National Security said.

In southern Sri Lanka, three soldiers were killed today in a LTTE attack at a picket point at Dambakote, Buttala, it said.

It is believed that the LTTE militants also sustained damages during retaliation by security forces, it said.

Additional troops have already been sent to tighten the security in the area and a search operations are now underway, it added.

Source : PTI