Sri Lanka Trincomalee port hit in attack-military

COLOMBO, Aug 1 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's government accused Tamil Tiger rebels of attacking a military troop transport ship today with mortars and artillery as it entered the northeastern port of Trincomalee.

Resident George David said he heard explosions and gunfire, while a military spokesman said the rebels had aimed for but missed a transport ship carrying hundreds of troops. Initial reports were that there were no casualties, he said.

''They have targetted one of the passenger vessels carrying troops,'' a military spokesman said. ''They used mortars and artillery.'' REUTERS DKA KP1513