By Anadolu staff
Gunmen killed at least five people in southern Sri Lanka, police said on Monday.
The shooting took place in Beliatta town where an unidentified group, traveling in a vehicle, opened fire at another group in a jeep, local English newspaper Daily Mirror reported, citing police.
Police suspect the involvement of a criminal Kosgoda Sujee's gang in the shooting.
Sri Lanka launched an operation in December to curb drug trafficking and organized criminal activities across the country.
As of last week, over 40,000 suspects have been arrested in the ongoing operation.