Terrorist casualties were observed on the rise according to Wanni battlefield reports as security forces were making their presence felt at the corridor of Kilinochchi, in the verge of mounting a full fledged assault at the Tiger heartland.

Pitched fighting is expected in the forthcoming weeks as troops have taken on positions to flush out the last LTTE presence in the bastion Kilinochchi township, after a decade, defence observers state. Tension prevails according to reliable information within LTTE ranks, after Army Chief Lt. General Sarath Fonseka declared to launch the first rounds at Kilinochchi, this week, addressing a gathering on Thursday (25).

According to finalized military reports received, at least 50 terrorists were killed and 22 others wounded in yesterday's (Sep 29) fighting, at the Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu battle fronts. The surge of LTTE battlefield losses recently, pronounce, of what is expected to come, the observers added.

"Overall, this is totally quite different from what the LTTE and its pay masters had anticipated, taking consideration into its campaign to portrait a 'humanitarian catastrophe' in Wanni. Both the Tamil and International community has shown great resilience keeping faith in the government's stance to liberate thousands stranded with LTTE", he further said.

10 soldiers have laid their lives and 32 others wounded during confrontations with LTTE on Monday.

At the combined Vavuniya - Mullaittivu battlefront, troops clashed with LTTE in several locations reportedly killing 22 terrorists and injuring 2 others. According to reports troops clashed with LTTE at Veddamakilam, Akkarayankulama North, Kokavil North and Palamoddai general areas.

11 terrorists were killed ambushed in general area North of Kokavil, at around 1.25p.m., according to reports. Meanwhile, troops have recovered a decomposed LTTE body along-with 2 T-56 assault riffles, a map and an I-com set during a search operation conducted in general area West of Akkarayankulama. Meanwhile, troops while consolidating defences North West of Mankulama, have come across a barren land stretch, bearing construction signs of a heli-landing pad. This site was earlier targeted by the Air force jets on several occasions, which was used as a training ground for LTTE suicide bombers, military said.

At Kilinochchi battlefront, at Manniyakulama troops repulsed an LTTE counter attack while consolidating defences in the area, at around 10.30a.m. 5 soldiers also laid their lives and 12 others were reported wounded in the fighting, military said.

Separately, troops have recovered an LTTE terrorist body subsequent to a confrontation in general area Kariyalaimodai, at 7a.m. Troops also uncovered a T-56 assault riffle and 3 hand grenades in the search operation.

Meanwhile, troops of the 59 Division operating in general area North of Andankulama confronted have confronted with LTTE in several occasion, reportedly killing 11, while injuring 20 others. According to reports, 5 soldiers have laid their lives and 18 wounded in the confrontations.

In general area Andankulama, troops forced into 8 LTTE bunkers and a 75m length trench line seizing total control, also capturing a haul of weapons from LTTE. Following items were seized from LTTE, according to reports.

T-56 ammunitions 650
MPMG ammunition rounds 250
Hand Grenades 06
Pouches 02
Compass (U/S) 01
Large Funnel 01
Barrel 01
Lanterns 03
Buckets & Civil Cloths 02

Meanwhile, a soldier was reported wounded due to an anti-personnel mine explosion in general area Andankulam, at 7.15a.m. Separately, troops have overrun 3 LTTE bunkers and seized a cache of weapons and other items from LTTE, in the same area. List of items seized by troops.

T-56 assault riffles 1700
Hand Grenades 07
Claymore Mines (7.5 KG) 02
MPMG ammunition rounds 100
MPMG Links 02
Field Dressings 12
LTTE Uniforms 02
Civil cloths and food parcels