Government troops backed by air cover captured a rebel stronghold coast town in north-western Sri Lanka as two soldiers and at least 18 rebels were killed, the defence ministry said Sunday.
Troops took control of Iluppaikkadavai town, 360 kilometres north of the capital, by mid-day Sunday after one of the rebel bases in the area was captured overnight, the ministry said.
It was the second town along the coastal line taken by the army within five days. The recapture of the area was considered a significant target for cutting rebel supply routes from the north-western coast across the Bay of Bengal, the dpa reported.
The government claims the rebels have been confined to two of the northern districts, though sporadic fighting has been reported elsewhere.
The military said two soldiers and 18 rebels were killed in separate clashes on Saturday.
Troops have been trying to recapture rebel held areas in the north and east since 2006, and have taken control of the eastern province and held elections there.