Sri Lanka captures rebel naval base
The Sri Lankan government says it has captured a key naval base used by the Tamil Tiger rebels in the north.
A statement released by the Defence Ministry says government troops overran the rebel-held town of Vidattaltivu in the north this morning.
The coastal town is the location of an important base used by the Sea Tiger naval force.
Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan could not be immediately reached for comment.
Fighting in the 25-year civil war has escalated in recent months as the government vowed to destroy the rebel group by the end of the year.