Troops close in on last LTTE hideout, amidst stiff LTTE resistance

Security forces have now cornered the remaining LTTE cadre including its most wanted terror chiefs into a mere 4.5sq.km land South of Rektavaikkal and surging in three frontal ground maneuvers to rescue civilian hostages held at gunpoint, military sources said.

According to ground information received, troops are advancing with utmost restraint into the remaining swathe of the NFZ, avoiding any form of civilian casualties despite continuous and provocative LTTE mortar and direct roll artillery barrages.

58 and 53 Division infantrymen advancing from North and West of Mullivaikkal met with stiff LTTE resistance throughout yesterday (May 4), while the 59 Division troops commenced advancing Northwards from the initial forward defences at Wadduvakal.

Terrorists have suffered heavy beating from the security forces and now left in total disarray with successive loses of both ground and cadre, security sources said.