The World - News from Oct. 18, 1987

Indian troops breached the perimeter of Jaffna city but met heavy resistance and sniper fire from Tamil rebels in fortified bunkers and trees in the Sri Lankan city, an Indian spokesman said. The official said five Indian soldiers were killed and three were wounded while clearing booby traps and bunkers on the eastern fringe of the city, where fighting was continuing. The official added that the casualty toll in eight days of fighting was 101 Indian security force members killed, 308 wounded and 25 missing in action. He put rebel losses at 515 killed and about 260 captured. The spokesman denied reports that New Delhi and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are negotiating a cease-fire.