Security forces personnel conducted a clearing operation through out the day, Wednesday the 25th of April, in the east of Madhu area to neutralize the LTTE mortar gun positions located in the area.

Since the LTTE terrorists launched mortar shells from these areas targeting the troops manned in Mannar and Omanthai areas for last few weeks as a routine practice, security forces launched this clearing operation to neutralize the LTTE gun power, defence sources said.

It is further reported that security forces personnel confronted with terrorists and the LTTE terrorists fled in disarray over dozens of their dead cadres left behind due to heavy retaliatory gun fire launched by the troops.

It is learnt through the LTTE radio transmissions at least 21 LTTE cadres were killed and more than 28 suffered injuries in the confrontation and the terrorists were struggling to evacuate their casualties due to the heavy retaliatory attack.

Defence sources further said that two army soldiers made their supreme sacrifice and 23 others sustained minor injuries in the confrontation.