COLOMBO, DECEMBER 13: Sri Lanka's Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebels said today they had captured three strategic northern army camps.The LTTE's clandestine radio station, Voice of Tigers, said 38 rebels were killed yesterday fighting for the bases, which are part of the Elephant Pass military complex.There was no immediate comment from the defence ministry on the rebel claim, but yesterday the government said troops had repulsed further attempts by the LTTE to infiltrate the area.Elephant Pass lies on a causeway that links the mainland with the northern Jaffna peninsula.The LTTE said it had taken control of the army bases at Pullaaveli, Kaddalikadu and Vettrilaikerni, all of which are on the western flank of the complex.The defence ministry said yesterday troops had killed some 230 guerrillas and repulsed an attack near the complex, adding that eight security personnel had been killed and 101 wounded.The LTTE put their losses at 15 fighters and warned civilians to move away from the fighting.The LTTE has been fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils in Sri Lanka's north and east since 1983 in a war that has claimed more than 55,000 lives.The fighting has intensified in recent weeks ahead of Sri Lanka's presidential election on December 21.
