News In Brief

Toll mounts in Sri Lanka as forces confront rebels

Security forces clashed with Tamil separatist guerrillas in the northern city of Jaffna Wednesday, killing five and raising the toll to 22 since Tuesday, the government said. But informed sources said at least 15 people were killed, bringing the death toll to 35 in three days of violence in the area.

Officials said an 18-hour curfew was imposed for another day. Interior Minister Lalith Athulathmudali told reporters the guerrillas had not observed the first curfew.