Tamil Rebels killed in fierce fighting

The Sri Lankan military said government troops have killed 93 Tamil Tiger rebels in fierce fighting in the war-ravaged northern region.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said separate battles broke out today as soldiers fought to capture the last rebel stronghold in the north.

Government forces are in what they say is a final push to defeat the rebels and end 25 years of civil war.

It is not possible to get independent accounts of the clashes because journalists are not allowed in the war zone.