The LTTE has confirmed that one of its members have been killed in the morning attack.

A person named Thooyavan identifying himself as spokesman to the Karuna faction has informed media by telephone that the attack was catrried out by them.

Reports from the area say that an armed group that entered rebel held territory launched the attack on LTTE cadres who were on patrol.

Since Col Karuna split from the northern-based leadership of the Tamil Tigers in March, 2004, there have been frequent inter-rebel clashes.

The Tamil Tigers accuse the government of harbouring the Karuna faction - a charge the authorities deny.

Continuing violence in Sri Lanka's east comes amid deadlock in negotiations between the Tamil Tigers and the government.

Peace talks between the two sides have been suspended since April 2003.

More than 60,000 people have died since the rebels began their fight for a homeland for minority Tamils in 1983.