Colombo – At least 50 Tamil rebels and seven soldiers were killed in fighting in northern Sri Lanka, the military said Wednesday as the government pushes its offensive to regain territory held by the separatist guerillas there by the end of the year.

Fighting was reported from the Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts, more than 300 kilometres north of Colombo, a military spokesman in Colombo said.

Seven soldiers were killed and seven others went missing Tuesday in the Nachchikudha area, a coastal area in Kilinochchi, the spokesman said.

Tamil rebels in the north have claimed to have the bodies of seven soldiers.

The rebel casualties were reported from various parts of the north between Tuesday and Wednesday, the spokesman added.

The army also arrested 305 soldiers who deserted and tried them in military court. All were given prison terms ranging from three months to one year.

Earlier, the government offered amnesty for soldiers who deserted to return and rejoin their ranks.

More than 4,000 soldiers responded, but about 6,000 more have yet to return, military officials said. (dpa)