May 15, Colombo: Sri Lankan troops engaged in operations along the frontlines in the embattled north killed 22 LTTE rebels and destroyed several bunkers, the military said today. Three soldiers were also killed in the battles.

Troops advancing ahead of the frontlines into the Tiger territory carried out limited operations in the regions of Mannar, Weli Oya, Vavuniya and Janakapura yesterday, Defenese Ministry said.

In Welioya four Tigers and a soldier were killed in fighting in Janakapura area. Troops have recovered the body of one LTTE cadre during a search operation in that area.

In the Mannar region five Tigers were killed and five were injured when troops attacked and destroyed an LTTE bunker in Alankulam area yesterday (14).

In heavy clashes in Vavuniya 13 Tigers were killed and another 17 were injured, Media Center for National Security (MCNS) said. Army recovered the bodies of the five Tigers along with five T-56 weapons. A soldier was also killed while another was reported missing.

A soldier was killed in Muhamalai in Jaffna region yesterday when LTTE aimed mortar fire at the troops.

Meanwhile unidentified gunmen shot two civilians in Uppuweli in the Trincomalee district killing a woman and injuring a youth critically.

Sri Lankan government has vowed to drive away the rebels in the embattled region and ruled out any peace talks unless the LTTE laid down their weapons.