Refugees killed in artillery attack by Sri Lankan army

At least 45 civilians were killed in Sri Lanka when government artillery fire hit a camp where those fleeing the fighting had taken shelter, the Tamil Tiger rebels claimed. Although it was impossible to verify the Tigers' figures, the Red Cross said its staff had seen 18 bodies and 50 wounded being taken to a local hospital on Nov. 8. The incident took place in Tiger-held territory at Kathiraveli, near Batticaloa. According to the Tigers, the area came under sustained fire from government artillery and a school where civilians had taken shelter was hit. The rebels said at least 125 people were injured. Civilians had taken refuge in the school after they fled earlier fighting near their homes in the area. A spokesperson for the Sri Lankan military confirmed that there had been exchanges of fire in the area for the past few days, but said he was not aware of civilian casualties in the area.