TF-3 troops close-in on Mankulama: LTTE faces major setback- Mullaittivu [November 17 2008]

Task Force -3 troops inducted west of the A-9 trunk road off Mankulama in the western Mullaittivu battlefront have commenced marching towards the strategically important Mankulama junction, since dawn today (Nov 16).

According to military sources, a forward domination element of the TF-3 have advanced further and cut-off a stretch of the Mankulama- Oddusudan road, which has been consistently used by the LTTE to draw reinforcements and logistic supplies through-and-forth the western and eastern coastal boundaries. The infantry battalions commenced marching towards Mankulama amidst heavy mortar shelling from LTTE in the non-liberated areas further east.

"Although LTTE has sent hundreds of cadres to stall the military advances it has only resulted in soaring LTTE casualties", a defence observer said adding that the fall of Mankulam is inevitable and will be a most valued triumph in the Wanni liberation operations.