Srilanka

Thousands of S.Lankan refugees flee rebel-held east

Dec 16 (Reuters) Thousands of refugees are fleeing Tamil Tiger territory through jungle and by sea in the island's east, the military and witnesses said on Friday, trying to escape artillery duels between the army and rebels. Nearly 1,300 minority Tamils arrived in camps in schools and welfare centers near the government-held town of Valachchenai on Friday, and hundreds more were on their way, the military said -- adding eight refugees drowned at sea in their bid to escape. more..