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Lankan forces

launch fresh

offensive in Jaffna

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan armed forces launched a dawn offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels on Friday, the first anniversary of the day Tamil Tiger rebels broke a ceasefire with the government, the military said.

Civilians were warned to take cover and a curfew was slapped on the northern Jaffna peninsula and northern mainland Kilinochchi district, a spokesman said.

"Riviresa Two was launched at first light in Jaffna to liberate areas not under the control of the security forces," the Ministry of Defence operational headquarters said in a statement.

The curfew was imposed at 0800 (0230 GMT) until further notice.

"Maximum possible precautions have been taken to ensure safety of civilians and property. Civilians have been advised to remain calm and to gather at safe places designated by security forces."

A year ago, the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) broke a 100-day ceasefire, resuming hostilities in their war with the government that started in 1983.

The original Operation Riviresa ended with the taking of the rebel stronghold of Jaffna in December last year. But the Tigers have since stepped up attacks in the east and in Colombo.

On January 31 they bombed the Central Bank, killing almost 100 people and wounding more than 1,300. Last week suicide frogmen and other Sea Tigers launched an abortive raid on Colombo port losing nine cadres when the navy below up two boats.

And on Wednesday the LTTE warned of further attacks in the south if the armed forces proceeded with a new offensive in the north.

One Western diplomatic sources said he was surprised by the timing of the offensive, expecting it to be delayed until the end of elections in neighbouring India, which has a huge Tamil population.-Reuter