Colombo - Air Force fighter jets bombed and destroyed three rebel boats carrying arms off the north-eastern coast of the country on Saturday, an air force spokesman said.

Spokesman Andrew Wijesooriya said, based on information received from a naval patrol, the boats were attacked off Mullaitivu, 320 kilometres north-east of the capital.

"The boats were completely destroyed", the spokesman said, but gave no details about those on board.

There was no immediate comment from the rebels regarding the incident.

The attack came as fighting continued in the north of the country. (dpa)