0, 03:05, 2008-04-21 17:03:29 Description:The Sri Lankan government intensified their fight against the Tamil Tigers today, killing thirty in an offensive on four of the separatist group's bases in the eastern area of the island. (More)The Sri Lankan government intensified their fight against the Tamil Tigers today, killing thirty in an offensive on four of the separatist group's bases in the eastern area of the island. Government officials reported that one Sri Lankan troop was killed and 17 were wounded during the fighting. Today's outbreak of violence is just the latest indication that the peace deal in place here is dead, and that the country is on the brink of sliding back into civil war. In Kenya, hundreds have been fleeing a Nairobi shantytown after police stormed the area in search of members of the Mungiki gang. Hundreds of paramilitary police have rampaged through Mathare since Monday, rounding up residents, beating them with clubs and knocking down homes constructed of wood and iron sheeting. As a result, the police have been accused of using excessive force during the raid—which resulted in at least thirty deaths. Gideon Muchoki Maina said his 23-year-old brother, John, was among those killed by police this week. "He was a sugarcane vendor, he had no association with the Mungiki," he said. The government says the use of force is necessary as the Mungiki have used more radical means lately, including the killing at least 20 people in the past three months, including 12 found mutilated or beheaded since May. On Monday, two police officers were shot and killed, no doubt leading to this weekend's raid. The Mungiki gang, inspired by the 1950's Mau Mau uprising against British rule, has become a street gang linked to murder, political violence and extortion. The outbreak of violence has raised fears that the Mungiki are trying to disrupt elections in December, when President Mwai Kibaki will seek a second term. The group is allegedly circulating leaflets that call on Kenyan youth to prepare for an uprising against the government. The leaflet even threatens that "if one youth is killed we shall kill 10 police". In a rare positive story for the United States in Iraq, a group of one-time enemy insurgents called the Amiriyah Freedom Fighters are now cooperating with the Americans to defeat a common enemy: Al Qaeda. Americans justify the partnership by hoping that the more Al Qaeda killed and captured—something the US thinks is made easier by the partnership—the better their chances of success in the larger struggle to stabilize Iraq. Lastly today, Justine Henin won her third straight French Open title, defeating Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 6-1, 6-2. It was the second year in a row the Belgian was able to steamroll through the tournament without losing a single set. The stage is now set for Sunday's men's final in which Roger Federer will attempt to win his 11 grand slam title and complete the career grand slam, while his clay surface kryptonite, Rafael Nadal, will attempt to win his third-straight French Open Title. Those were the top headlines for Saturday, June 9, 2007. For more in depth videos on each of these, and today's other newsworthy headlines, visit yourworldtimes.com. (Less) Video Tags:AlBushFrenchHeninIraqKenyaLankaMungikiNairobiOpenPolicePresidentQaedaSriTamilTennisTigersTroopsWin Rate it:Rate : Watch hereClose player