Colombo - A Tamil rebel aircraft returning after dropping bombs on an Air Force complex was shot down by a fighter jet Tuesday morning in north-eastern Sri Lanka, a military spokesman said.

The rebel aircraft had dropped bombs at the Air Force base in Vavuniya, 240 kilometres north of the capital, and was shot down off Mullaitivu, 60 kilometres from the targeted base.

There were no immediate details about any damage caused by the rebel bombing at the Air Force base.

Residents said that they heard sounds of firing around the base, but it was not clear whether there was firing toward the base.

The incident comes as government troops continue an offensive to recapture rebel-held areas in the north. (dpa)