Sri Lankan security forces have exchanged gunfire with an armed group in Kalmunai in the eastern region of the country A military spokesman says 15 bodie
Sri Lankan security forces have exchanged gunfire with an armed group in Kalmunai in the eastern region of the country.
A military spokesman says 15 bodies, including those of six children, were found in the house where the gunbattle took place late Friday.
The Associated Press later reported that a girl and a woman survived an explosion at the suspected militant safe house during a raid linked to the Easter bombings.
Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said Saturday that the woman and girl are critically injured and are being treated at a nearby hospital in Ampara District.
Sri Lankan security forces have been clearing the safe house following a Friday night gunbattle between soldiers and suspected militants. Authorities say the militants set off three explosions and opened fire.
The Daily Mirror, a Sri Lankan newspaper, reported there was an explosion when the forces attempted to search a suspicious man.
