Tamil rebels and govt troops in heavy clashes

Heavy fighting broke out in northeastern Sri Lanka today between Tamil rebels and government troops seeking to end a rebel blockade of a reservoir, and at least five soldiers were killed, officials said.

The clashes came after the Tamil Tiger political leader in the area declared the country’s 2002 ceasefire over, although the government said it remained committed to the accord and that its assault in Trincomalee was a humanitarian mission to restore the area’s water supply.