U.S. forces are sending aid to the Maldives following the devastating earthquake-triggered tsunami in Southeast Asia as part of their relief work, reports said Friday. Two ships and about 100 soldiers currently deployed in Sri Lanka are due to arrive in the Maldives next week. They will be tasked mainly with water purification during the week-long operation. The troops will also help clear up and distribute aid. About 82 people out of a population of 270,000 people died in the Maldives with 26 still missing, official sources said. --spa 1439 Local Time 1139 GMT
