23.8.2008

Security Forces operating in the Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi and the Eastern Wanni battlefronts Friday (August 22) claimed killing at least 27 LTTE terrorists while injuring 42 others during the day's fighting ensued with LTTE. According to finalized military reports received, 4 soldiers have laid their lives and 20 others wounded in the confrontations as troops encroached into the last LTTE battle grounds in Wanni.

Heavy fighting were reported in Thunukkai and Palaimoddai areas claiming a total of 4 and 11 LTTE fatalities in addition to 9 and 17 injuries respectively. Troops are now poised within 12km of the LTTE's main terror bastion township Kilinochchi following the downfall of Thunukkai yesterday security sources said. 2 soldiers laid their lives and a soldier was reported wounded during a series of confrontations erupted between troops and LTTE at Tunukkkai since 7a.m, till 3p.m., on Saturday. During subsequent search operations conducted in the area troops have recovered an LTTE terrorist body, 01x T-56 assault riffle and an armored tractor, security sources report.

Meanwhile, another LTTE terrorist was reported killed sniped in general area South of Uyilankulama. 7 soldiers also have received injuries during separate confrontations with LTTE in general area Mallavi East of Thunukkai, sources said.

Also troops of the Task Force -1 operating in Vannerkkulama general area clashed with a group of LTTE terrorists' yesterday reportedly killing 2 LTTE terrorists and injuring many others, according to reports. 3 soldiers have sustained inquires during the confrontation sources added.

3 more LTTE terrorists were reported killed in general area Palaimoddai and similar numbers injured in separate clashes sources said. A soldier also sustained injuries due to an anti-personnel mine (AP) explosion in the area.

Meanwhile, troops while consolidating defences in general area Mallavi have cleared-off 107 AP mines and 2 IEDs, sources said.

Also, at the Welioya battlefront separate confrontations were reported between troops and LTTE in general Andankulama as troops claimed killing 8 terrorists and injuring 10 others. 3 soldiers were also reported wounded in the fighting in general area North of Andankulama, according to reports. Separately, troops have recovered 25AP mines and 4 IEDs during a search operation conducted in the same general area yesterday.

At the Jaffna theater of battle, 2 soldiers were reported killed and another wounded following separate LTTE mortar attacks at general area Nagarkovil, sources finally reported.

Troops liberated Thunukkai town from LTTE clutches after two decades.
Body of a slain LTTE terrorist found lying in the battlefront yesterday (August 22)
Troops of the 57 Division enaged in search and clearing operations in the newly liberated Thunukkai town area.
An armor plated tractor used by LTTE to transport high profile cadres was found left by the fleeing terrorist at Thunukkai.