Sri Lankan rebel factions exchanged fire for the first time since the Tamil Tiger movement split last month, the island's first fighting since 2002. The main force of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam and fighters from a breakaway group exchanged mortar and small arms fire across the Verugal river, AP said. The main force crossed the river into territory held by the breakaway group, it said.
| No reports of casualties, darn. |
``There has been some penetration,'' said Verathan, a spokesman for the breakaway faction, as cited by AP. ``We're trying to stabilize the situation. There has been some firing. We are engaged in counterattacks.'' The breakaway faction, led by Colonel Karuna, has said the rebel leadership is comprised mainly of Tamils from the north of the island even as a majority of fighters are drawn from the east. A candidate linked to Karuna was killed before Sri Lanka's election last week.
| So, who do we root for here? |
| I'm hoping for high casualties on both sides. Want some of this popcorn? |
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