VOA常速英语:Fighting Continues Between Sri Lankan Army, Rebels

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VOA Correspondent Steve Herman was given rare access, under Sri Lankan military escort, to a coastal strip recently seized from the rebels. He has this on-scene report from the Puttumatalan Lagoon.  

I'm at the closest point to the fighting where outside observers have been allowed.

High-ranking officers here tell us they do not believe the remaining fighters are still under coordinated control or eager to offer much resistance, knowing their fate is sealed and that they would flee at the first attempt they are given. The Tigers, for their part, through their spokesmen, vow never to surrender.

The Army says total defeat is imminent.

We can hear some explosions from time to time. The military says the explosions are not caused by their weapons. They say they have ceased using heavy armament to ensure no civilians are harmed in the final assault.

Mission number one, the military says, is to rescue the thousands of civilians they contend are hostages of the LTTE.

Sri Lanka's President says it will be less than a week before victory is declared. But the officers commanding the troops here say it could take a little longer than that.