Fighting ensued between the Sri Lankan Army and the LTTE despite torrential rains in the Wanni battle theatre on Monday (April 14), where 5 LTTE were reported killed and 20 others wounded.

Heavy fighting broke out in the tensed Wanni and Northern fronts since last Saturday(12), following a relative lull in the battle fields as LTTE deaths tolled over 80 with soaring casualties. The fresh offensives were launched by combined Army infantry and artillery units further pushing into non-liberated Wanni territory, military sources state.

On the Vavuniya battle front, 7 terrorists were believed seriously wounded following a confrontation with SLA infantrymen in general area Madhu, at 11.a.m. In addition 3 soldiers also have sustained wounds in separate clashes with LTTE at Palampiddi, Karampaikulama and Madhu East, MCNS sources report. Another soldier was reported wounded due to an AP mine explosion in general area Palampiddi, yesterday at 12.20 p.m.

Meanwhile, 5 LTTE terrorists were killed and 13 others reported wounded in heightened skirmishes between SLA and LTTE in general areas North of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa at the Welioya front. 2 soldiers also laid their lives while 7 others were reported wounded during the confrontations.

Meanwhile, SLA handed over 2 LTTE bodies including a female cadre found killed in the Welioya front to the ICRC officials yesterday at 3 p.m.

According to reports received, troops have also destroyed 4 LTTE bunkers in offensives launched towards Tiger FDLs at Muhamalai yesterday since 9.45a.m, till 9.30p.m. An LTTE terrorist was reported killed and 2 others injured, while military claimed that a soldier has sustained injuries during the confrontations.