LTTE kill 89 Sri Lankan soldiers

A Tamil Tiger-affiliated Web site says rebel fighters have killed 89 government troops in heavy fighting in northern Sri Lanka.

TamilNet reported that the fighting took place Wednesday around Kilinochchi, the rebels' de facto capital.

Rebel fighters repulsed an attempt by government forces to advance into rebel territory west of Kilinochchi, killing more than 60 soldiers, the Web site reported, citing unidentified rebel officials.

South of Kilinochchi, another 29 soldiers were killed in heavy clashes, it said.

Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara denied the report.