Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) says that 23 killed and at least 26 wounded in yesterday's (May 20) clashes reported from Welioya, Mannar, Vavuniya and Muhamalai battlefronts.

On the Welioya front, troops confronted with the terrorists in the Kuhankankulama, Paliyandankulama, Kuttankulama, Kokkuthuduwai, North of Janakapura and North of Kiriibbanwewa during the course of the day and claimed to have killed 5 terrorists and injured 17 others. During these operations troops have uncovered 3 hand grenades, 1 T-56 riffle, 12 mortar bombs (120mm), 18 mortar bombs (81mm), 11 improvised bombs and 236 anti personnel mines (AP). Also, 2 soldiers suffered injuries in a confrontation took place in the North of Janakapura area.

On the Mannar front, troops had a confrontation with the terrorists last afternoon and claimed to have killed one LTTE cadre. A soldier suffered injuries due to an AP mine blast at Minukkai on the same day evening.

On the Vavuniya front, clashes continued in the Nadunkerni, Nenukkuddikulama, Mullimurippu and Periyamadhu areas and terrorists numbering 17 were reportedly killed and 9 others suffered injuries. Two bodies of slain LTTE cadres were also found following a clash occurred in the Periyamadhu area. 8 soldiers suffered injuries during these clashes.

Finally, in the Jaffna theatre of battle, the MCNS claimed that army had destroyed 10 LTTE bunkers at Muhamalai during the day and injured 3 LTTE cadres. 4 soldiers were also injured in this clashes.

Limited offensives are continuing.