Troops gained total control over Karukkakulama town area, located North West of Parappakandal in Mannar yesterday (May 1), following concentrated amour and artillery shell attacks at LTTE, security sources said.

Army infantrymen made swift incursions into the LTTE strong point and have reportedly captured 1.6km of land stretch in the area at around 6a.m. According to military sources, a soldier has laid his life, while another was wounded during the advances made on Thursday.

Meanwhile, ground sources citing intercepted LTTE communication said that, LTTE has suffered at least 15 fatalities during confrontations erupted with troops.