Tamil Tigers blamed for fresh attacks on sailors

Eight Sri Lankan sailors were killed yesterday in a suspected attack by Tamil Tiger rebels as fears grow that the country is slipping back towards civil war.

At least 69 military personnel have been killed in attacks blamed on the Tigers since December, and yesterday's was the second to target the Sri Lankan Navy within a week.

The sailors were travelling in a military convoy when their bus hit a Claymore mine that had been planted on their route.