28.02.2008

Sri Lanka Army soldiers running at terror defences in Mannar today (February 28) achieved a tremendous success against LTTE terrorists by establishing the domination over the area of Sinnaodaippu in the North of Giant Tank today (February 28). According to the latest military reports received from Mannar battlefront troops have been able to capture an important sluice gate in the area along with a fortified bunker and a trench defence of the terrorists.

According to the defence sources in the area, Sri Lanka army infantrymen backed by artillery, launched the first assault at the terrorists' defence line around 10.a.m. and were able to beat off the terrorists by 11.45.a.m. The ground troops have reported that 20 terrorists were killed during the confrontation. However, the overheard radio transmissions of LTTE have revealed that only 14 cadres were killed during the first assault. During the subsequent search in the area , troops have found six T-56 riffles.

The sources further said that the terrorists made a counter attack around 12 noon with terror leaders Bhanu and Lakshman leading from the back. About 70-80 terrorists reported to have come to the attack but were crushed in the army retaliatory fire, said the sources. The terrorists have quickly turned tail with heavy casualties despite the wailing of Bahanu and Lakshman on radio for the frontlines to hold out, the sources added.

Ground troops have reported 20-30 LTTE cadres were either killed or wounded. Also, the LTTE radios have transmitted an inevitable retreat with heavy damages after the abortive counter attack.

Further , the Army snipers who were deployed along with advancing troops have reported shooting down of 10 more LTTE cadres.

Four soldiers suffered injuries , including 2 in serious conditions. The injured were rushed to Anuradhapura hospital.

Troops are consolidating their defence in the newly liberated terroritoy.

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Defence