Sri Lanka's military says recent fighting between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels has killed 35 rebels and one soldier.

Authorities Saturday said the fighting erupted Friday in the country's northern regions, including the districts of Jaffna, Vavuniya and Mannar.

The government's figures could not be independently verified as journalists are barred from the frontline areas.

Tamil Tiger rebels have been fighting for an independent homeland for ethnic Tamils in the country's north and east since 1983. More than 70,000 people have died in the clashes.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.