LTTE terrorists have sustained heavy damages as fighting brokeout between troops and LTTE at the Northern lines of control at Pallai, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil since dawn on Saturday (Nov 15).

The battles at the Northern FDLs continued as LTTE elements were pushed further south with the intense artillery assaults launched by the 55 and 53 Division troops, positioned North and South of the A-9 main road, yesterday(Nov 16). According to Jaffna military sources, troops have also destroyed parts of the LTTE constructed earth bund cum ditch, while forward dominations elements claimed to have gained control over some parts of the LTTE defences along the bund line.

Troops met with intermittent LTTE resistance fire, yet continued dominations as terrorists were unable to sustain the multi-pronged military assault. The military forward push was also assisted with low altitude bombing raids made deep into LTTE defences by SLAF fighter jets, Army sources said. Military citing intercepted LTTE communication said that, LTTE terrorists were left in total disarray as the Air force fighters made dashing maneuvers pounding identified LTTE artillery and mortar launching pads in the Peninsula.

Army has also deployed the mechanized infantry battalion in support of the rear defences, the sources further said. Meanwhile, anonymous sources reporting from the non-liberated area said that, LTTE has sent experienced senior fighters to lead the disorganized terrorist elements in vain, to prolong the military advance. Jerry, Muhundan, Kadalparidi, Puhalendi and Sendeer were identified as senior cadres in charge of the LTTE elements assisting Teepan at the Northern battlefront.