SL security forces engaged in clearing operations in Mannar and Thoppigla have gunned down three LTTE cadres during last 24 hours, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.

In Mannar, the LTTE terrorists launched an attack using small arms at SL army troops on a foot patrol at Pudukulama early this morning. The troops repulsed successfully without suffering any casualties to own.

In the subsequent search, the troops found a body of an LTTE cadre, one T-56 machine gun, one radio communication set, one night vision device, four hand grenades, two cyanide capsules and a first aid kit.

Separately in Thoppigala, the security forces clearing ahead skirmished with a group of LTTE terrorists around 3.15 last evening. The troops retaliated successfully and found two bodies of LTTE cadres along with two T-56 machine guns and a GPS. The troops suffered no casualties in the incident.