Civilians are continuing to flee areas of eastern Sri Lanka amid fighting between the Tamil Tigers and government forces.

According to the army, nearly 10,000 arrived in government-controlled areas of Batticaloa district on Saturday.

More than 40,000 have abandoned their homes in recent days, fearing their villages are becoming the battleground for the military and the rebels. Meanwhile, five soldiers were wounded in a confrontation with rebels.

After a lull that lasted for weeks, fighting has been escalating in the east of Sri Lanka. There have been exchanges of artillery fire and the military says it has overrun a number of Tiger camps. Civilians are continuing to arrive at refugee camps in government-controlled areas of Batticaloa district. On Saturday, the army said nearly 10,000 fled Tiger-held territory.