Colombo- Two strategic coastal villages in north-western Sri Lanka, both frequently used by rebels to smuggle in military hardware from South India, were brought under government control after a fierce round of fighting, military officials said Thursday.

The two villages, known as Devil's Point and Vallaipadu, lie 360 kilometres north of Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital. They were captured Thursday. Troops were in the process of consolidating their positions, military officials said.

Government troops are also fighting to reopen a coastal road to northern Sri Lanka. If reopened, the coastal route would provide government-controlled access to the north.

The military previously had to close the country's main highway, which runs through the country's centre, to prevent rebel infiltration and to prevent rebels from collecting taxes from people visiting or passing through rebel-held areas.

Troops are carrying out simultaneous operations in the central part of the northern province to recapture rebel-held areas.

The military has declared that it wants to recapture rebel-held areas before the end of the year. However, rebels have put up resistance. Adverse weather conditions have also delayed the movement of government forces.

Launched in 2006, government operations to reclaim areas in the country's north and east have resulted in at least 12,000 rebel deaths. More than 3,000 soldiers and policemen have also been killed, according to military claims. ad (dpa)