Meanwhile, 9 soldiers were reported wounded including 4 due to AP mine and IED explosions, security sources said.

In the Jaffna front, a terrorist was reported killed when troops attacked an LTTE bunker defence with mortar and rocket propelled grenade(RPG) fire in general area Muhamalai. A soldier was also wounded and transferred to the military base hospital in Jaffna.

In the Vavuniya front, in general area Ramanathakulama a soldier was reported wounded due to an AP mine explosion while engaged in clearing operation in the area. Meanwhile, troops also removed 24 AP mines laid by LTTE in general area Madhu. In the same area an LTTE terrorist was reported killed sniped by troops deployed ahead of LTTE defences at around 12.10p.m. 2 terrorists were also reported killed when SLA soldiers sprung an ambush in general area Cahnnavalankadu, at 1.40p.m.

On the Mannar front, according to reports received 3 LTTE terrorists were killed, and similar numbers wounded while 6 others were believed either killed or seriously wounded in confrontation in general areas Udayadi, and Veddayamurippu. Meanwhile, a soldier was reported wounded following clashes with LTTE in general area Veddiamurippu.

Separately, naval troops while conducting search operations in general area South of Pesalai yesterday recovered 3 23kg weighing land mines which were serially connected at 2a.m., security sources said. Following items were also recovered during the search operation.

Serial type remote control with 9 v bty.

01 x elecric detonator.

04 x mtrs x detonating code.

01 x claymore mine

Flexible wire 1000m.

According to reports received 4 LTTE terrorists were killed, 14 wounded in intermittent clashes erupted between troops and LTTE at the Welioya battle front. 5 soldiers were also reported wounded in clashes at Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa.

Meanwhile, troops recovered 192 AP mines during separate search operations conducted in general areas North of Janakapura and Kiriiibbanwewa.