13/10/2007
Despite
heavy monsoon rains, sporadic clashes continue along the security
forces' Forward Defence Line (FDL) in Wanni causing heavy casualties
to LTTE terrorists, defence sources said.
During
the day time today (October 12), troops have engaged LTTE terrorists
at three different locations, killing at least nine of them. Two
soldiers were also killed while four others suffered injuries
during the engagements.
The
latest clash occurred around 3.30 this evening at Thiruketheeshwarm,
in the West of Mannar, when SL army soldiers tracked down a group
of four LTTE terrorists just ahead of the own defence line. The
terrorists are believed to have come to infiltrate army defence,
exploiting the extreme weather conditions and the jungle terrain.
However, highly professional combat trackers of SL Army were able
to lead their infantrymen to the terrorists' hideouts. Troops
engaged the group of terrorists killing all four of them. Two
soldiers sacrificed their lives in the incident.
During
the subsequent search, troops have found the four bodies of slain
LTTE cadres along with three T-56 riffles, one radio communication
set, few hand grenades and military packs filled with dry rations.
Elsewhere,
troops killed at least two more LTTE terrorists who had opened
fire at the troops clearing ahead of their defence line in Thampanai
in the morning hours. Troops encountered small arms fire from
the terrorists hiding behind the woods. Soldiers responded immediately
to the attack and secured the area causing the terrorists to runaway
with their casualties. Ground sources have confirmed that two
terrorists were killed in the incident.
Earlier
in a separate incident, it was reported that at least three terrorists
were killed and seven wounded due to the army's retaliatory attacks
in the Narikkulam area this morning. The incident had taken place
around 10.15.a.m. when LTTE elements attempting to breach Mannar
defenses drew effective counter attacks from troops deployed in
the Narikkulama general area. Four soldiers also sustained injuries
during the confrontation.
According
to the ground information, LTTE had suffered heavy casualties
than it has claimed in the radio transmissions.
Clearing
operations are further continued in the area.
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