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LTTE-held areas liberated, says Army

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan military on Tuesday claimed to have captured LTTE-controlled territory in Mannar and Vavuniya as part of its operations to “liberate” Tiger-administered areas in the north. A Defence Ministry statement said the Sri Lanka Army Task Force engaged in “counter-terrorist offensives” in Mannar gained control over a “significant area.” The troops reached Chalampaikulama area and consolidated their there positions, it added.

The soldiers commenced their march from recently-captured Kaatankulama and reached Chalampaikulama without facing resistance. At least five terrorists were either killed or wounded,” said the Ministry.

Soldiers consolidating their positions on the outskirts of Chalampaikulama took on the LTTE bunker defences with armour tanks. The Tigers suffered “heavy damages” in the operation, it added.

The Ministry further claimed that troops — on offensive operations in Vavuniya front on Wanni theatre — have gained control over an LTTE’s “stronghold” in the Palampiddi area on Tuesday. Also, Sri Lanka Air Force jets targeted an LTTE stronghold located north of Palampiddi junction. In the east, the military claimed patrols confronted LTTE cadres in Vavunavilluwa, in Siththaru. In a report posted on its website, the LTTE alleged that artillery fire near Poonahari had killed two civilians in April.

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