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Sri
Lanka Army latest offensive elements 53 and 55 divisions
are now in the process of consolidating their positions
on the newly captured LTTE's first line of defence at the
Northern theatre of operations, say the defence sources.
According
to the sources, troops of 53 division are now linking up
the captured terror bunkers in the Kilaly area, South of
A-9 road while the 55 division soldiers are engaged in clearing
operations in the Muhamalai forward area, North of the A-9.
Army
shifted its mode of operations from active defence to all
out offence in the Northern theatre on Saturday (Nov 15)
by running at the LTTE's forward defence lines (FDL) in
Muhamalai and Kilaly . Heavy clashes prevailed in the areas
for 5 consecutive days , as the terrorists made a desperate
attempt to halt the army advance.
55
division scored the initial success achieving the full domination
of the LTTE defence line at Muhamalai on Tuesday (Nov 18).
Meanwhile, 53 division soldiers were able to capture a large
part of the LTTE bunkers in the Kilaly area by Wednesday
evening (Nov 19).
Intercepted
radio transmission reports revealed heavy toll of deaths
and casualties to the terrorists during these clashes. Also,
Army confirmed destruction of 4 improvised mortar guns of
the terrorists known as "Pasilan" and "Baba"
mortars. Terrorist leaders, Theepan, Muhundan and Jerry
were heard making unsuccessful calls for their forward elements
to hold their positions. However, Theepan and Jerry themselves
were known to have fled the area as soon as their forward
elements abandoned the first line. According to the latest
information , Theepan have returned to the theater and threatening
LTTE cadres in the front not to withdraw any further.
Army
maintained active defence in the area during last few years
thwarting all LTTE attempts at Jaffna peninsula. The distance
between Army FDL and the LTTE's was just 500m before the
operations commenced. Now, troops have covered this stretch
and heading further Southwards.
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