Over 50 LTTE members in the north and the south, officials say

Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said at least 53 rebels were killed and six more sustained injuries in two separate clashes in Mannar.

Military spokesman, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, told BBC Sandeshaya that two Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were also killed in Mannar.

An offensive by the Tamil Tigers was thwarted by the security forces in Parappakandal, a statement published in the Defence Ministry website said.

'10 soldiers killed'

However, quoting LTTE sources, the pro-rebel Tamilnet said at least 10 SLA soldiers were killed in battles in Mannar district.

The LTTE, Tamilnet said, confronted and blocked Sri Lanka Army movement on three fronts in Mannar district from early morning on Wednesday.

	More than 26 people were killed in Buttala on 16 January

In Buttla, the Tamil Tigers killed three army soldiers in an attack on a check point, the ministry said.

LTTE cadres who attacked the check point also believed to have sustained injuries as the SLA retaliated, it added.

The check point at Dambekote, along the Kataragama - Butthala main road has come under attack on Wednesday.

Tamil tigers are accused of killing at least 26 people and injuring more than 60 in a bomb attack on a packed bus in Buttala on 16 January.

Another five people were killed by gunmen fleeing the attack and several soldiers were hurt in a second blast not far from the first explosion, officials said.

Addressing a passing out ceremony of civil security force in Pollonaruwa last week, Minister Mahindanada Aluthgamge accused Sinhala drug dealers in the area of supporitng the LTTE.

Without the help of these local groups, the minister said, it is very difficult for the Tamil Tigers to launch attacks in the south.