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New military operation in Lanka ignoring Tamil cease-fire offer

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December 22, 2000 

COLOMBO--(AP) - Government troops, backed by MiG-29 aircraft, launched a new military offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels at dawn Friday, ignoring a unilateral cease-fire offered by the rebels.

"Our troops are advancing to expand the area under our control in the Jaffna Peninsula," military Spokesman Brig. Sanath Karunaratne told The Associated Press.

Karunaratne said he was not authorized to give details of the operation, but other military officials said more than 1,500 troops were taking part in the ground operation that was being backed by artillery and air support. MiG-29 aircraft flew out of bases to take part in the operation.

The rebels from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam made no comment on the latest offensive.

Government troops now control Jaffna city, but the rebels made several gains in the peninsula in April-May. Holding of the peninsula is crucial for the army as it shows its authority in the traditional Tamil homeland.