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The predawn attack occurred at Erukkalampiddi on the Mannar Island in the northwest region, where there has been fierce fighting for several weeks. The region is a rebel stronghold.

LankaPage quoted defense sources that the Tiger rebels on six boats launched the attack around 2:15 a.m.

The Sri Lankan Defense Ministry said the navy defended the post and destroyed a rebel boat and killed four rebels, the report said.

However, the pro-rebel TamilNet claimed the rebel group's Sea Tigers gained control of the installation and seized a large cache of naval arms and military equipment, including a radar. The report said four rebel commandos died in action.

The report said the attack was in memory of "Lt. Col. Kadaafi", a commander of the Sea Tigers Special Engineering Division who was killed two months ago.

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