Rebel ships are sunk following military attack

Sri Lanka: Naval forces backed by helicopter gunships attacked seven rebel boats early today, sinking two and killing six Tamil Tiger sailors, the military said.

The sea battle came as the military pushed ahead with its multi-pronged offensive against the rebels' de facto state in the north.

• Philippines: The government hopes to resume peace talks with the country's largest Muslim rebel group early next year, despite fighting between troops and rogue rebels in the restive south of the country.