LTTE defences tumble as troops advance in Wanni [November 02 2008]

Troops met with less resistance from LTTE at the Wanni battlefronts yesterday, as security forces continued consolidating defences in the newly gained territory east and west of Kilinochchi. According to military, sporadic fighting was reported close to the 12th mile post along the A-32 Mannar - Pooneryn main road at the western Kilinochchi battlefront. Fighting was reported between troops and LTTE at Kovilkoduttavil, Podimuruppukulama and Urutirapurankulama general areas, the sources further said.

The phase of the military surge has forced LTTE to retreat with heavy casualties, who are now in the verge of losing its 'supply line' along the western coast. LTTE has also located few artillery batteries in the outskirts of Pooneryn, used to target civilian and military positions in the Jaffna mainland. The military surge will force the LTTE to relocate its main gun barrels towards Mullaittivu where the final stages of battles are expected, defence sources said.

Meanwhile, troops of the 57 Division continuing advances towards the LTTE mainland in Kilinochchi, are now positioned North of the Akkarayankulama built-up after weeks of intense fighting with LTTE. The terrorists are faced with fierce multi-pronged attacks from the military, which has left scores of terrorists killed and many bunker overheads abandoned, security sources said.

At the Mullaittivu battlefront, clashes were reported between troops and LTTE in general area North of Andankulama, Saturday. According to finalized military reports, LTTE terrorists have suffered heavy beating from troops of the 59 Division. Troops have also uncovered 184 anti-personnel(AP) mines and 10 IEDs during separate search operations conducted at Andankulama. Few soldiers have received injuries during the confrontations with LTTE, military said.