24.7.2008

157 Division troops operating at the combined Mannar - Vavuniya front advanced from its newly established positions at Pandiyankulama and forced further into non-liberated area, 3 km Southeast of Mallavi and have reportedly captured the Vavunikulam Tank bund, in Mullaittivu District today (July 24), at around 10 a.m.

According to initial reports received 57 division troops led by Major General Jagath Dias, flanked the western edge of the Vavunikulam tank and also have captured approximately 10 sq.kms of land area during the advances. Citing intercepted LTTE communication military said that, at least 25 terrorists were killed and scores injured in the clashes.

Fighting ensued between troops and LTTE since this morning as security forces pounded identified LTTE positions with heavy artillery and mortar fire enabling infantry troops and special forces to intensify assaults at the LTTE. Troops have also recovered 7 LTTE bodies, 5 x T-56 assault riffles, 01 x 120 mm heavy mortar gun, 02 x 81 mm mortar guns and few other warlike items including over 100 x mortar rounds during initial search operation conducted in the area.

Also, troops have found a tractor, 2 x motor bikes, 4 x I-com sets and a binocular in the search operations, our Wanni correspondent said adding that ground troops have also observed scattered bodies of terrorists killed, lying ahead of the established defences.

Troops are now engaged in search and clearing operations while consolidating defences in the area, sources further said.