WORLD IN BRIEF : SRI LANKA : Troops, Rebels Clash in North and East

Government troops blasted and burned rebel bunkers, pushing Tamil Tiger guerrillas into jungles in the east, the Sri Lankan military said. In other eastern areas and in the north, the rebel force, known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, launched its own offensive on government positions. Military officials said at least three rebels were killed and three police officers injured when commandos clashed with the Tigers near Tirrukkovil in eastern Ampara district. Hundreds of people have died in fighting that began June 11 when a cease-fire collapsed.