Updated

Air force fighter jets bombed separatist Tamil Tiger positions Wednesday in Sri Lanka's volatile east, where ground troops were engaged in a heavy battle with insurgents, the military said.

"The air force has taken two targets to help our ground forces," air force spokesman Group Capt. Ajantha Silva told reporters.

Silva did not give details of damage and casualties, but said the targets were hit.

At least eight rebels and four soldiers were killed in an overnight battle in the eastern Batticaloa district.