The battles took place in the general area of Nager Kovil, in the Thenmaradchi sector of the Jaffna peninsula.

The fighting had erupted late last night and had continued till the early hours of this morning said residents.

The army fired artillery and mortars in the direction of Nagar Kovil and the shelling had continued until this morning.

Unconfirmed reports said that SLAF aircraft had also bombed the area.

Schools in the area were closed and teachers and pupils stayed away today.

A large number of youth are said to have fled the no-go areas beyond the SLA's forward defence lines, fearing reprisals by the SLA, said a resident from Eluthumattuval.

Further details of the engagement were not known.