Colombo – The Sri Lanka Navy destroyed at least four Tamil rebel boats and killed 14 cadres off northern Sri Lanka in a fierce sea battle between the two sides on Saturday morning, a navy spokesman said.

The clash broke off Nagarkovil, 390 kilometres after a fleet of rebel boats were intercepted shortly before dawn on Saturday, Commander DKPDassanayaka said.

He also said that according to communication intercepted 16 rebels had also been injured.

Five sailors also received injuries, but no damages have been caused to the boats, the spokesman claimed.

However, there was no immediate comment from the Tamil rebels or an independent confirmation about the clash.

The incident came as government troops continued their military operations in the north to capture rebel held areas. (dpa)