More separatist killed

Sri Lankan officials say at least 11 people have died in clashes in the country's north, days after the prime minister announced imminent victory against the separatist Tamil Tigers.

The Defense Department Thursday said an air force operation killed eight Tamil Tigers in northern Sri Lanka. The military said at least one soldier was killed in the fighting.

The government also accused the rebels of killing two civilians while they gathered firewood in the eastern district of Trincomalee on Wednesday.