A UN document circulated among the diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka has stated 6432 civilians had been killed due to fighting over the past three months.

The Associated Press (AP) yesterday reported that 13,946 civilians had also been injured during the fighting.

According to AP, the report indicated that an average of 33 civilians had been killed each day at the end of January and figures increased to 116 this month.

More than 100,000 civilians had fled LTTE areas last week as the military intensified its military operations in the safe zones.

The UN states that more than 50,000 people are still trapped in the LTTE areas.

Meanwhile, UN Under Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs, Sir John Holmes arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday.

Also, US Acting Department Spokesman, Robert Wood addressing a press briefing has said the US remained extremely concerned for the safety of the remaining civilians in the no-fire zone.

"Although tens of thousands of people have fled the area, numerous people have been killed, and tens of thousands of additional civilians remain in the conflict area.

We call on the Government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers to end hostilities," he has said.

According to Wood the US was supportive of India's efforts to stop the fighting.

Wood has also called on the Tigers to lay down arms and surrender to a third party.

"We call on the Tamil Tigers to lay down their arms and surrender to a third party.

The international community needs to provide assistance to a large number of displaced persons. The international community should be prepared to play a role to end the fighting," he has said.

Wood further added that the US fully supported the UN Secretary General's decision to send a UN humanitarian team to the no-fire zone.