A fierce battle took place between Security Forces and LTTE terrorists from this morning (06) as troops commenced the final leg of their march to Thoppigala, the last LTTE stronghold in the Eastern Province.

Military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said six soldiers including an officer died and seven others suffered injuries when the terrorists launched an attack using long range weapons.

"The terrorists fired heavy mortars form a location West of Baron's Cap at the troops deployed in the North of Narakamula", he said.

"The security forces retaliated using heavy weapons and air power and brought the situation under control," he further added.

The humanitarian mission to liberate all of Thoppigala is continuing.