20.8.2008

During fierce gun battles ensued in the Wanni theatre of battle yesterday, 19 August, 29 LTTE terrorists were killed and 35 others suffered injuries, according to finalized military reports received.

Troops of 56 Division operating in Vavuniya launched an attack targeting a group of LTTE terrorists in the Vedamakilam area. Intercepting terror communication channels, revealed an LTTE terrorist killed while another suffered injuries in this attack.

Heavy fighting ensued between troops and LTTE terrorists in Vavuniya-Mullaittivu battlefront as the troops of 57 Division killed at least 10 terrorists and injuring 4 others in series of clashes reported in south of Manniyakulam, west of Tunukkai and south of Mallavi areas. Five soldiers reportedly wounded due to these clashes. Meanwhile, 2 LTTE dead bodies along with 2 motor cycles and I-Com set were uncovered by the troops of 57 Division during a search operation conducted following a confrontation took place in general area south of Manniyakulam. Another LTTE body was uncovered with T-56 weapon and I-Com set by the troops in general area north of Vavunikulam.

Separately, 3 more LTTE terrorists were killed and another 3 suffered injuries when the troops of Task Force 2 confronted with terrorists in two separate occasions in Palaimoddai during day hours yesterday. One soldier also sustained injuries exploding an anti-personnel mine in the same area.

Troops of Task Force 1 operating in Kilinochchi District confronted with group of LTTE terrorists in general area east of Mannayakulam killing 9 terrorists. Further, intercepting terror communication it is revealed that 15 more terrorists have sustained injuries due to the effective fire launched by the troops. One soldier has laid his life for defending the motherland while another 15 suffered injuries due to terrorists' retaliation.

Troops of 59 Division of operating in Welioya front killed 6 terrorists and injured 12 others during series of clashes reported in general area Andankulam. One soldier has made his utmost sacrifice for the sake of motherland while another 6 suffered injuries, the report said.

Further, 104 anti-personnel mines have been unearthed by the troops of 59 division engaged in mine clearing operations in recently liberated areas in Andankulam in Welioya front. 8 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a claymore mine weighing of 2.5Kg were also found in same search operation.