Colombo - Government troops took control of a rebel-held village in northern Sri Lanka as they pressed the offensive into the the last strongholds of Tamil insurgents, the Defence Ministry said Monday.

Troops reportedly met heavy resistance as they advanced into Ampakamam village in the Mullaitivu district Monday morning, but no details of casualties were released.

The ministry said rebels had taken used the village as a command post during the government offensive.

The village is about 20 kilometres east of a key highway that army troops have retaken, military officials said.

The army is fighting its way toward the rebel-held Kilinochchi town, 370 kilometres north of the capital, from several directions. (dpa)