Tamils resist relief attempt

Sri Lankan Tamil rebels thwarted several attempts by government troops yesterday to relieve a besieged northern military base where at least 250 people were killed and another 150 are missing, Reuter reports from Colombo.

Military sources said the rebels blocked attempts to send reinforcements by amphibious landings close to the base and fighting was reported between the navy and sea-borne rebels. Thursday's attack on the isolated Pooneryn base on the shores of Jaffna lagoon was the worst defeat for government forces. It raised questions as to whether the government should continue fighting the rebels or try negotiations.