S.Lanka rebels say 20 civilians killed by air force

COLOMBO, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels said at least 20 civilians were killed and 26 wounded in air force raids on Monday in the eastern part of the country, near the strategic port of Trincomalee.

"There are 20 civilians dead and 26 wounded," Tiger military spokesman Rafiah Ilanthiraiyan said by telephone from the rebel headquarters in the town of Kilinochchi.

"They are continually shelling and bombing populated areas in our control. They have advanced and reached our lines."