Aug 01, Colombo: A top ranked female leader of the Tamil Tiger rebels and three of her armed bodyguards have been killed during heavy fighting between the Sri Lankan troops and Tamil Tigers, the military said today.

Citing monitored LTTE radio transmissions, defense sources said, Kumaveri Thangeamma, a self-styled Lieutenant Colonel and the head of the women's wing of the LTTE in the northern region of Mullaitivu was killed yesterday afternoon in Janakapura along with three other female cadres who were providing escort to the leader.

The military said another LTTE female group leader identified as Madavani was also killed in a separate confrontation in the Mullaitivu forest, at a location north of Janakapura on Thursday afternoon. Another six Tiger cadres were also killed in the same area in separate clashes.

Meanwhile troops destroyed a LTTE strong hold in Mannar killing seven Tigers following a three-hour long battle yesterday.

In Vavuniya, eight Tigers and two soldiers were killed during scattered clashes yesterday evening. Troops destroyed one LTTE bunker and captured another three, MCNS reports said.

Independent verification of casualty figures is not possible as reporters are not allowed in the battle zones. The government has estimated that about 5,000 LTTE cadres have been killed this year since it stepped up the military campaign.