December 9, 2003

An argument between a soldier and a rebel activist led to gunfire in the northern city of Jaffna, leaving a bystander wounded. Tensions are rising in rebel controlled areas, that now contain thousands of soldiers who guard communications and government facilities.

December 8, 2003: An army patrol clashed with armed rebels in the north, leaving a soldier wounded. Meanwhile, on the northern coasts, a group of rebels took24 fishing boats, and then demanded payments from the fishermen for the boats