Tamil rebels launched their first-ever airstrike in their 25-year conflict with Sri Lanka’s government, using at least one small plane to bomb an air base outside the capital Colombo today.

The Sri Lankan air force bombed a Tamil Tiger jungle base, killing at least eight rebels, including two senior guerrillas, a military spokesman said today.

Soldiers and Tamil Tiger rebels traded artillery and mortar fire in northern Sri Lanka today, an official said, as schools closed in the capital over fears that civilians could be targeted by insurgent bombings.