At least 18 terrorists were killed and another 23 reported wounded during fighting ensued between troops and LTTE on Tuesday (May 27) at the Wanni and Northern battlefronts, security sources said.

More than a dozen terrorists were also believed either killed or seriously wounded, the sources said citing unverified LTTE communications. On the Jaffna theater of battle at Muhamalai, an LTTE terrorist was reported killed in a SLA sniper attack, yesterday at 11.35a.m.

Meanwhile, intense fighting was reported at Periyamadu, Maruthamadu, Mundimurippu and Kallikkovilmadukulama general areas as troops said 3 LTTE terrorists were killed and 2 wounded in addition to 4 army fatalities.

Separately, at the Mannar front troops said that 8 terrorists were either killed or seriously wounded following a confrontation with SLA in general area Udayadi, at 3.40p.m. Similarly, 15 other terrorists were also believed killed or seriously wounded in confrontations erupted with SLA in general areas at Alankulama, Vediyamurippu and Minukkadu, security sources said. 5 more terrorists were also said killed in the Vavuniya front in SLA sniper attacks, sources said. According to security sources, 2 LTTE bunkers were destroyed and 3 terrorists wounded following heavy armour and mortar attack by troops at general areas Alankulama and Vediyamurippu ahead of the LTTE defences in Wanni.

Meanwhile, troops have uncovered 187AP mines and 7 IEDs during search operations conducted in general areas at Kiriibbanwewa, Kokkuthuduwai and North of Janakapura, according to reports received. 2 other terrorists were also reported wounded during a counter terrorist offensive launched by troops in general area North of Janakapura. According to reports, 9 terrorists were killed and 11 others wounded during yesterday's confrontation at Welioya. Two solders were also wounded in the confrontations security sources added.

As stated in the reports troops have also uncovered 2 T-56 assault riffles, 2 water cans and food items left by LTTE during a search operation conducted in general area Puttankulama. Meanwhile, a terrorist body was also recovered by troops during a separate search operation conducted in general area Alaiyaandakulama.