Colombo, Saturday 20 Dec 2008: The Sri Lankan military said the navy has destroyed a suspected Tamil Tiger ship after a sea battle in the northern sea. Military official said the fighting erupted after a navy patrol craft observed the ship at about 2am(local time) Saturday off the northeastern coast.

He said the rebel ship fired on the navy vessel after being ordered to identify it. The navy then retaliated.

Official said four small attack boats that came to support the Tiger ship were also destroyed. There was no immediate comment available from the rebels.