At least 23 LTTE terrorists were reported killed and 9 others wounded during fighting ensued between troops and LTTE at the Wanni and Northern battlefronts on Tuesday (June 17).

According to military reports, 3 soldiers have laid their lives and 7 others wounded during the confrontations with LTTE.

In Jaffna, in general area Nagarkovil a soldier has received injuries due to an anti-personnel (AP) mine explosion, security sources said. The soldier was rushed to the Palaly military base hospital for treatment. At the Vavuniya battlefront, heavy fighting was reported from Navathkulama, Periyamadu, Kayamoddai, Palamodai and Koviltkunchukulam areas according to military reports received. 19 LTTE terrorists were reported killed and scores wounded during the clashes erupted, security sources said; adding that 2 female LTTE bodies were also recovered during a subsequent search operation conducted in general area Periyamdu. Also, troops have uncovered 2 T-56 assault riffles and 2 dog-tags during the search operation, the sources further stated.

Meanwhile, on the Welioya battlefront, North of Janakpura troops forced into an LTTE bunker line, captured 2 bunkers and later claimed to have seized warlike items including 2 claymore mines each weighing 5 kg. Clashes were also reported in general areas Andankulama and North of Kiribbanwewa, as troops claimed 4 terrorists killed and another 6 wounded. 8 more terrorists were also believed either killed or seriously injured, secuiryt sources said citing ground troops.