15.2.2008

As the security forces' quest to liberate terror dominated Wanni region is gaining more drive, more and more civilians have been able to escape the terror clutches and to seek much needed protection in the cleared areas. According to the defence sources in Mannar, 22 civilians have sought protection at Sri Lanka navy posts in Mannar since Tuesdays (February 12).

The civilians who were from Vellankulama and Iluppakadavai, deep in the non liberated Wanni, have claimed that they could escape the terror clutches because of the dwindling LTTE hold in the region. According to the civilians, LTTE has been losing its hold over people in the face of the military offensives. Also, they have stated that many are eagerly waiting for an opportunity to flee into the cleared areas.

Meanwhile, the army continued to attack terror fortifications that holds the Wanni civilians in an open prison yesterday killing at least 30 terrorists and wounding over 12. According to the military reports, army has held out stiff resistance in the Jaffna and Wanni front right throughout the day.

In the Jaffna theatre of battle, troops deployed at Muhamalai, advanced into the LTTE defences last morning and destroyed one terror bunker. One soldier was killed and 3 suffered injuries in the incident. The injured were admitted to Palaly base hospital. Terrorists' casualties are not known in this incident.

Meanwhile, on the same front army snipers deployed on the defence lines confirmed that one terrorist was shot down last evening. Also on the Kilaly front, one soldier suffered injuries due to an anti personnel mine explosion on the same day morning.

In the Wanni theatre of battle, troops continued their onslaughts at terror positions located in the Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya battlefronts within the course of the day.

On the Vavuniya front troops clashed with LTTE terrorists at Kallikulama and Periyapantrichurichchan areas during the day and claimed that 9 terrorists were killed and at least 2 others injured. Also, one soldier was killed and 3 others were injured during the confrontation that took place at Periyapantrichurichchan.

On the Mannar front, troops had similar clashes with the terrorists at Nedunkandal, Pallaikkuli, North of Uilankulama And Munkilmurichchan areas and claimed that 14 terrorists were killed and at least 2 injured. Four soldiers also suffered injuries in these battles.

On the Welioya front, troops forayed terror positions in the Kokkuthuduvai, Janakapura, Andankulama, and Ethawetunuwewa and claimed that 6 LTTE cadres were killed and 8 others wounded during the day. Also, one soldier was killed during a confrontation that took place in the Kokkuthuduvai area and another 6 sustained injuries in the enemy mortar fire at army positions in Kokkuthuduvai and Andankulama areas.

Limited offensives are continued.