COLOMBO, May 13 (Xinhua)-- At least 18 Tamil Tiger rebels have been killed and 17 others injured in clashes with the government troops, defense officials here said Tuesday.

    Separate clashes took place in the northern regions of Vavuniya, Welioya and Mannar on Monday, officials added. At least 8 soldiers were injured.

    The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels were blamed for the two separate explosions in the eastern province last week where an election to appoint members to the provincial council was held for the first time in 20 years.

    Neither the rebels nor its proxy party the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) took part in the election.