Colombo, Jan 25, SPA -- Sixteen civilians were foundhacked to death in a jungle in northern Sri Lanka, whilefighting elsewhere in the region killed 24 Tamil Tigerrebels and seven soldiers, Associated Press quoted the military as saying. Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said the bodieswere found dumped in a swamp Thursday near Kabithigollewavillage, 275 kilometers (170 miles) north of the capital,Colombo. He suspected the separatist Tamil Tigers werebehind the killings. He said the victims were believed to be a group ofcivilians who had been searching for their cattle. Thebodies had not been identified, but a forensics team wassent to investigate, he said.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/520951