Military reports received on Thursday (March 13) indicated that at least 27 terrorists were killed in sporadic clashes erupted between SLA and LTTE as troops forced into LTTE dominated territory in multi-pronged ground offensives launched ahead of Wanni and Northern LTTE defences.

LTTE losses in the Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya fronts tolled as reports indicted 26 terrorists killed and similar numbers believed seriously injured. According to military sources, 6 LTTE terrorists in Karampaikkulama, 6 in Vilathikulama, 1 in Karukkulama, 3 in Nedunkandal, 6 in Vannakkulama have been killed in yesterday's clashes in Vavuniya and Mannar.

In general area Illantheevan, Mannar a terrorist was reported killed in a SLA sniper attack, while another was gunned down ahead of LTTE defences in Nagarkovil, Jaffna, security sources said.

Meanwhile, intensive fighting broke-out between troops and LTTE North of Janakapura, Welioya where 3 terrorists were reported killed and bodies recovered by SLA on Thursday evening.

Following clashes with LTTE in general area Karampaikkulama, Vavuniya troops recovered 2 T-56 assault riffles and an I-com set, MCNS reported. A soldier has sustained injuries in the confrontation and admitted to general hospital at Vavuniya. Separately, two soldiers were also wounded in an anti-personnel (AP) mine explosion in the same area, sources said.

Meanwhile, a soldier was wounded in clashes in general area Koilimoddai, Vavuniya while another was reported wounded in general area Periyakulama, Mannar military sources said. Troops have also recovered 4 claymore and 121 AP mines during a search operation conducted in general area Menukkamam, Mannar, sources further reported.

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Defence