Forces push LTTE further

Dhaneshi YATAWARA

Cornering the LTTE further in to Puthukuduirippu area the 5 and 7 Gemunu Watch battalions of the 53 Division secured approximately 1.5 kilometres of the A35 road by yesterday morning hours operating from the south of the road, military reports from the battle ground stated.

The 53 Division commanded by Major Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, 58 Division commanded by Brig. Shavendra Silva and Task Force 8 commanded by Col.G.V. Ravipriya are pushing the LTTE to a corner and gaining more of the uncleared land. According to the ground information troops are withstanding heavy resistance from the depressed enemy.

“The spearhead of the 55 Division is approximately 2 kilometres close to the `No Fire Zone’ from the Puthumathalan North while the 58 Division operates on the immediate West of Nanthikandal lagoon,” Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.

The Army 55 Division commanded by Brig. Prasanna de Silva operates from the North of Puthumathalan while the 59 Division commanded by Major General Nandana Udawatte is marching forward from Mullaitivu, few kilometres south of the `No Fire Zone’.

Troops of 58 Division have shrunk LTTE hiding areas while consolidating defences in newly gained ground at the Mullaitivu battlefront last Friday, defence sources said. Army snipers deployed in Puthukudiyirippu West and Iranapalai areas have gunned down 20 LTTE terrorists ahead of the own defence line, military reports indicate.