Up to 20 people are dead in eastern Sri Lanka as thousands of civilians flee the worst fighting the country has seen since a cease-fire took effect more than two years ago. Tamil Tigers loyal to their northern leader have attacked the forces of a breakaway Tiger commander. Doctors in hospitals in the eastern city of Batticaloa say that seven child soldiers are among the 15 wounded now in their care. Since March 3, Tamil Tiger forces have been split in two across the small Verugal River crossing in Sri Lanka's east. Sri Lanka's recent parliamentary election passed without incident, even as young Tiger fighters dug into positions preparing for war. Yesterday, the main Tiger force in the north attacked, killing the rivals they now call traitors and causing thousands of civilians to flee. This the worst violence since the beginning of a two year cease-fire between the Tigers' leaders and Government troops has the potential to force an end to the peace process.
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