Dozens Die in Sri Lanka Conflict
Fighting between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka’s north and east and a suicide bombing in the capital left dozens dead, officials said, including youths killed in what guerrillas said was an airstrike on a home for teenagers.
Government jets bombed the northeastern district of Mullaitivu, deep in rebel territory.
The pro-rebel TamilNet website, citing officials from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, reported that 61 girls were killed and 60 more injured in the airstrike.
Military spokesman Capt. Ajantha Silva said the air force had proof that the site was a rebel base.
A Norwegian cease-fire monitor, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the site appeared to be a home for students between the ages of 17 and 20.
In Colombo, a bomber in an auto rickshaw blew himself up as a car carrying Pakistan’s high commissioner, Basir Wali Mohmand, passed along a crowded road.
At least seven people were killed and 10 wounded, the government said. The diplomat was not hurt.
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