2.9.2008
Walter Jayawardhana
Sri
Lanka Security forces in the midst of heavy fighting entered
and captured one of Tamil Tigers’ most strategic
garrison towns, Mallavi also called Yogapuram Unit 3,
considered an LTTE administrative centre and key to take
over Kilinochchi, the de-facto LTTE capital, the state
owned Independent Television Network reported.
Mallavi
town located 13 kilometers West of Maankulam has been
a stronghold of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The
capture has completely blocked Thunukkai - Mallavi supply
route used by the LTTE, the TV station further said. "It
is also the nearest route to enter Kilinochchi from the
Wanni and a strategically important LTTE garrison.
Further
reporting said, Troops of the 57th Division raised the
National flag after capturing the location. All areas
in the Mallavi town are under the control of the Army.
With
its fall, the LTTE had also lost an important hospital
used to treat injured cadres. Mallavi is situated along
the Vellankulam-Maankulam main road linking the Mannar-Pooneryn
A-32 main road and the Kandy-Jaffna A-9 trunk road. The
troops are confident that the capture of Mallavi will
facilitate in overrunning Kilinochchi, the TV broadcast
said quoting army sources.
Infantry,
armour and artillery formations of the Army's 57 Division
have overrun LTTE forward defences and entered into general
area Mallavi in the Mullaittivu district, following fierce
fighting since the morning of August 31. the Defence Ministry
said.
According
to the Defence Ministry, troops have gained control over
key LTTE outposts in the area and positioned tactically
in the garrison township, despite heavy resistance from
LTTE.
Initial
reports from Wanni military sources further said that
the troops are engaging heavy artillery and increasing
the forward thrust into the Mallavi town area.
Courtesy - Asian
Tribune