Tamil Tigers' bodies handed over

The Sri Lankan army says it has handed over the bodies of nine rebels to Tamil Tiger guerrillas in the island's north.

According to the military, the fighters were killed over the past two days in clashes in the Vavuniya area.

Four government soldiers were also killed and several others wounded, the army says.

There have been almost daily clashes between the two sides in recent months as the Sri Lankan military seeks to step up pressure on rebel-held areas.