19.9.2008

LTTE terrorists have suffered heavy casualties as reports reveal at least 42 terrorists killed, 38 wounded in addition to 25 others, who were reported killed during an intense sea battle with Navy off the coast of Nachchikudha, yesterday (Sep 18).

According to military, heavy ground battles broke-out at Vannerikkulama in the Western Wanni battlefront at Kilinochchi, between the Task Force -1 troops and LTTE, killing 23 terrorists and injuring 27 others. Troops mounted multiple assaults at LTTE with artillery barrages, enabling army infantrymen to force into the terror defences, security sources said. The fighting lasted for hours as terrorists put-on stiff resistance: 10 soldiers had laid their lives, while 18 others sustained injuries in the confrontation.

Exhausted LTTE terrorists have fled the area despite constant orders from its leadership to sustain the military onslaught, military said citing ground sources. Meanwhile, a soldier also sustained injuries during a separate confrontation with LTTE in general area at Pandiveddikulam.

At the Vavuniya -Mullaittivu battlefront 10 terrorists were reported killed and 2 others wounded according to finalized military reports. Confrontations were reported from Palamoddai, Vedamakilam, Chinnakulama and Akkarayankulama area, according to reports. Meanwhile, troops have uncovered 3 decomposed LTTE bodies in general area Akkarayankulama, during a search operation. 05 X T- 56 assault riffles, 01x RPG weapon, 01x C-90 weapon and a radio set was also among the items recovered.

On the Eastern Wanni battlefront, sporadic fighting was reported between 59 Division troops and LTTE since Thursday morning, security sources said. According to reports, 8 LTTE terrorists were killed and 11 other wounded during the clashes in general area Andankulama.

Meanwhile, at the Jaffna theater of battle a soldier laid his life and another sustained injuries following a confrontation with LTTE at Sarasalai, around 1.45a.m.