Troops move into Tiger strongholds

By Daneshi Yatawara

Security forces further cleared terrorist held areas of Mannar in the Wanni, overrunning several LTTE strongholds yesterday, military sources stated.

"Troops advanced into Parappakandal West in the uncleared areas of Mannar, 800 metres forward and hold a total area of one square kilometre at the moment," Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. Several LTTE leaders including 'Adavan Master' and 'Susilan' were reported to be among the casualties. Bhanu, Laxman, Parthivan, Susilan and 'Adavan Master' were identified to have led the LTTE group during the heavy fighting, ground sources further revealed. Parappakandal is identified as a major terrorist fortifier.

Intercepted Tiger communications have revealed 20 terrorists dead during the clashes and it is reported the dead include two LTTE leaders, the Media Centre for National Security said.

Since the wee hours of the day, advancing troops have encountered heavy LTTE resistance, defence sources stated.

Defence personnel, citing intercepted Tiger communications, state that hundreds of LTTE cadres were escaping from the heavy beating from the Army.

Terrorists have earlier launched attacks using heavy artillery including 130 mm and 122 mm types during its last efforts to hold on to their positions, defence reports state.

Sri Lanka Army (SLA) liberated terrorist held areas in Chettikuli in Mannar few days back. By evening of December 22, troops had broken down the LTTE defences at Uyilankulama and Thampanai areas. Brigadier Nanayakkara added that Army have recovered three LTTE bodies from the Chettikuli area and have informed the International Red Cross Society, to be handed over to the LTTE. At the moment the bodies are lying in the Mannar Hospital.

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