Sri Lankan military officials say heavy fighting in the country's north has killed at least 34 Tamil rebels.

Officials say nine soldiers also were killed in the clashes, including three who died when a grenade accidentally went off in Jaffna district.

The latest fighting took place Sunday despite a temporary cease-fire offered by the rebels.

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

The Tamil rebels are fighting for an independent homeland in Sri Lanka's north and east.  More than 70,000 people have been killed in the violence since 1983.