14.1.2008

At least 26 terrorists were killed and many injured during confrontations yesterday (January 13) with troops at the tensed Wanni, Northern and Welioya defences, security sources report. In Muhamalai, Jaffna troops advanced ahead of the defence lines killing three terrorists in two separate incidents at 7.20.a.m and 6.p.m. Troops further advanced into LTTE defences around 9.30.p.m, destroying a bunker while clearing off a mine field.

Troops also recovered a 5kg weighing claymore mine with remote control and stand, during a search operation conducted in general area Arasadi, Jaffna. Separately, at Kilali defences troops destroyed another LTTE bunker in a well directed mortar shell attack, military sources said.

On the Vavuniya front, troops clashed with terrorists at separate locations in Periyapatrichurichchan and Kutinchakulama areas killing four terrorists. At the first incident that took place at 9 last morning, troops killed a terrorist in small arms fire. The second incident took place around 3.30.p.m when troops again ran at LTTE bunker defences. Ground troops have confirmed that three LTTE cadres were killed in the incident. Troops suffered no casualties in either of the incidents. Meanwhile, at 2.20.p.m, advancing troops over ran an LTTE bunker defence at general area Periyapatrichurichchan. While consolidating defences in the area security forces found two decomposed slain female LTTE bodies along with two T-56 assault riffles.

At general area Parikariperiyakulama, troops intercepted an LTTE movement. Ground sources said that, LTTE elements were believed to suffer injuries though exact figures were not available. A soldier was also killed during the gunfire exchange, security sources further report.

Separately, on the Mannar defences troops destroyed an LTTE bunker line at general area Adampan killing five terrorists and injuring two others, yesterday (13) at 10.45.a.m. Six other terrorists were also killed as clashes escalated along the defences, sources said. In general area Parappakandal, during clashes erupted between troops and LTTE a soldier was reported killed, while four others sustained injuries in two separate incidents, security sources said.

According to Wanni military sources, three terrorists were killed during confrontations in Palikuli and Chettikulama areas.

In the Welioya front, three SLA soldiers sustained wounds when LTTE laid AP mines exploded during a mine clearing operations conducted at Nikawewa general area, yesterday (13). The wounded soldiers were admitted to the general hospital at Anuradhapura. Meanwhile, troops intercepted an LTTE ground movement killing three terrorists and injuring similar numbers in Kokkuthuduvai, security sources report.

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Defence