21.1.2008

Military reports from Wanni and Northern front indicate that 33 terrorists were killed in clashes erupted yesterday (20) between troops and LTTE. According to reports, nine LTTE bodies were also recovered from the battle fronts.

In Jaffna, troops acting on civilian information raided an LTTE hideout in general area Kaithadi, yesterday (20) at 4.45.p.m. Terrorists opened small arms fire and threw hand grenades at the approaching troops. SLA soldiers retaliated killing two terrorists including LTTE's Thennamarachchi area leader "Kengan", military reports stated. Following items were also recovered during subsequent search operations conducted in the area.

  a. 01 x T- 56 weapon and 02 x magazines

  b. 01 x micro pistol and filled magazine

  c. 01 x global position system

  d. 01 x suicide belt

Meanwhile, SLA infantrymen advanced into LTTE defences around 2.p.m, destroying an LTTE bunker ahead of Kilali at general area Ponnar. No damages were caused to own forces during the advance, security sources said. According to reports, two soldiers were wounded due to an IED explosion at general area Kilali, while another soldier was wounded following an LTTE mortar fire attack at Nagarkovil, source said.

On the Vavuniya front, advancing military troops detecting an LTTE bunker line in general area Navathkulama, yesterday evening launched heavy mortar shells forcing terrorist to flee, military sources said. Two terrorists were also killed during the confrontation, ground sources confirmed. Meanwhile, troops conducting search operations in general area Vilathikulama, removed 59 AP mines, reports further stated.

In general area Palaimoddai, troops observing an LTTE terrorists movement launched mortar attacks. Later ground sources citing intercepted LTTE communication said, a terrorist was killed during mortar attack. Separately, troops forced into LTTE defences at Vilathikulama and overran three terrorist bunkers and an 81mm mortar pit, yesterday at 2.30.p.m, security sources said.

In a similar attack launched at enemy bunker positions at Pullippankiyarkulama, troops said citing LTTE communication that seven terrorists were confirmed killed. Five LTTE bodies were later recovered in search operations conducted security sources said. Meanwhile, troops also recovered following items during the search operation.

  04 x T 56 weapons.

  02 x T 81 weapons.

  02 x 60 mm mortar bombs.

 18 x hand grenades.

  02 x I-COM Radio Set.

  02 x claymore mines.

On the Mannar front, in separate clashes erupted at areas south of Madhu military reports reveal that seven terrorists were killed including four in a separate incident when troops attacked an LTTE tractor carrying armed terrorists, around 1.20.p.m.

Troops moving forward towards LTTE defences at general area Adampan yesterday (20) destroyed an LTTE bunker defence killing two terrorists, ground sources revealed. Troops also recovered a T-56 assault riffle, 01x I-com set, 01x hand grenade and a cyanide capsule, reports further added. According to SLA reports no damages were caused to own troops during the confrontation.

Security forces conducting a search operation on civilian information at general area Nochchikulama, Trincomalee found

01 x T 56 weapon with a magazine, 18 ammunitions, a hand grenade and a remote control device.

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Defence