23.11.2008

The advancing troops of the Task Force 2 are now consolidating defences at Omanthai, after overrunning the existing LTTE defences and the Entry/Exit point on Friday (Nov 21).

According to military officials, the domination over Omanthai will enable the Army to further extend the defence lines linking Mankulama - Oddussudan- Kumulamumai. There were confirmed reports of some 40 odd terrorists remaining scattered in the area south of Mankulama, following the defeat and the induction of small group military operations in the terrain have driven off the terrorists further east, military officials said.

Meanwhile, civilians were arriving in numbers seeking protection with security forces, while defence observers speculate a mass exodus in the coming weeks as troops further consolidate south of Mankulama and suburbs. The fall of the LTTE's Mankulama terror bastion and further domination by troops over a stretch of the Mankulama-Oddusudan road have provided confidence for the thousands stranded, to flee the hell gates of LTTE.

The multi-pronged military offensives have forced terrorists to thin out along its rear defences opening escapes routes for civilians towards the liberated areas, military sources further said.