Security forces continued advancing into LTTE strongholds in multi-directions from the Wanni and Northern battle theaters inflicting heavy damages to LTTE, as troops confirmed 17 terrorists killed and over 20 wounded following yesterday's clashes (June 19).

According to reports received, 3 soldiers have laid their lives and 7 others wounded in the clashes. In addition, 37 LTTE terrorists were also reported either killed or wounded, the sources further stated.

On the Jaffna front at Muhamalai, 3 soldiers was reported wounded in two separate clashes with LTTE, while military claimed 2 terrorists killed due to Army sniper attacks in the same area on Thursday. At the Vavuniya battlefront, troops have killed 2 terrorists in general area Vedamakilam, at 12.15p.m., during an offensive launched at an LTTE bunker defence security sources said, adding that 2 more terrorists were killed and another wounded during an ambush sprung by troops in general area Kayamoddai. According to military reports, a total of 8 LTTE terrorists were reported killed and similar numbers wounded in the Vavuniya front.

Meanwhile, at the Welioya front in areas North of Janakapura, Mankindamalai, Andankulama and Kiribbanwewa North troops said that at least 7 terrorist were killed and 12 others wounded during sporadic clashes erupted between troops and LTTE on Thursday. 5 soldiers have also received injuries during the confrontations, security sources said, adding that the operations are gaining success at the Wanni battle theater.