Military spokesman Sanath Karunaratne said the government forces had suffered huge casualties because they had been confronted by stiff resistance. Blow to peace Most of the fighting is taking place around Elephant Pass, the isthmus which leads into the Jaffna peninsula and which fell to the rebels a year ago. The high casualty figures are in part due to the fact that the fighting is taking place along a narrow strip of land, leaving the combatants vulnerable to mortar and artillery fire. The BBC's Daniel Lak in Colombo says the aim of the security forces appears to be to consolidate gains made earlier in the year and perhaps to get into a position from where they can challenge rebel-held areas. Both sides have said they are committed to dialogue but little progress has been made on a Norwegian-backed peace initiative.
Observers now see little hope for negotiations after the latest outbreak in fighting.
Earlier this week, the Tigers announced they would not extend their unilateral truce which had been in place since Christmas Day.