Troops within striking distance to Kilinochchi

Security Forces operating in the Mullaithivu, Kilinochchi and the Eastern Wanni battlefronts yesterday killed at least 27 LTTE terrorists while injuring 42 others.

According to military sources four soldiers died and 20 others were wounded in the confrontations as troops entered the last LTTE battleground in the Wanni. Heavy fighting was reported in the Thunukkai and Palaimoddai areas.

Troops are now poised within 12km of the LTTE’s main terror bastion township Kilinochchi following the capture of Thunukkai on Friday, security sources said. During subsequent search operations conducted in the area troops recovered an LTTE terrorist body, one T-56 assault rifle and an armoured tractor, security sources said.