30 Tigers killed in Thoppigala jungle battle
The Air-force bombed selected targets in the Thoppigala Jungle
yesterday morning by using Kafir jets, Military spokesman Prasad
Samarasinghe told the Sunday Observer.
The ground troops have confirmed that four LTTE bases have completely
been destroyed and over thirty LTTE terrorists have been killed during
this air strike,he added. The bases at Imbanvali, Rettanvalli,
Akkarithive and Mawaddaoli were among them, he said.
The LTTE launched attack at advancing troops from these camps during
the last few days by using heave artillery to thwart military units
advancing into the South and Northern flank of Thoppigala Jungle, he
noted. Following this Air strike ground troops had safely entered the
LTTE controlled area and conducted search operations. Three LTTE carders
committed suicide fearing security forces advance and the bodies of
eight LTTE carders have been recovered, he said.
The Military forces have made arrangements to hand over these bodies
to the LTTE through Red-Cross, he added. During this operation a soldier
died and another 17 soldiers have been injured. Critically injured
soldiers have been air lifted to the National Hospital Colombo, he said.
The troops have also recovered six MPMG, 4 RPG, 21 T 51 guns, anti
personnel mines and a large quantity of ammunition.
- AM
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