Sri Lanka: 16 killed on days of bombs and violence

The death toll from two explosions and subsequent street violence in a restive north-east Sri Lankan town today rose to 16, the military said.

Angry mobs clashed and set fire to shops following two explosions in Trincomalee.

This morning, a mine blast struck a truck carrying policemen, killing at least two officers and wounding two others, said Senior Superintendent of Police Nihal Samarakoon.

Later, five people, including one soldier, were killed in the second explosion, said military spokesman Brig Prasad Samarasinghe.

The attacks involved Claymore mines, which the rebels are known to use.

The ensuing violence left nine more dead, Samarasinghe said.