The World - News from May 20, 1986

Sri Lankan army units backed by planes and helicopters battled Tamil separatist guerrillas for the fourth day in an offensive aimed at lifting a yearlong rebel siege of the island’s northern Jaffna Peninsula. The Jaffna Hospital superintendent said 54 people were admitted for treatment after the attacks. Witnesses reported that 12 civilians were killed, and military officials said the overall toll was at least 45 in the four days of fighting.