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LTTE defences are “fast falling apart”

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s military on Sunday claimed to have laid “siege” to Kilinochchi and that LTTE’s defences are “fast falling apart.”

A Defence Ministry statement said the Army’s offensive divisions in Wanni are now marching towards Kilinochchi built-up area. “Army Task Force-1 and 57th Division have launched attacks on LTTE-held earth-bunds built around Kilinochchi’s outskirts. Pitched battles are going on north and south of Adampan, and Therumurikandi since early this morning [November 23],” it said.

Soldiers launched a predawn strike north of Admapan. Infantry soldiers have been able to capture LTTE strongholds at three locations after crushing stiff resistance, it added.

“Intercepted radio transmissions have confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists during these clashes. [The] Army’s 57th division troops are now fighting the terrorists in the vicinity of the LTTE-held earth-bund in Admapan area. LTTE defence in the area is fast falling apart,” it said. In areas north of Kokavil, troops are advancing towards the A-9 Road.

The Ministry said a third group of 81 civilians, who escaped from Wanni, arrived at Omanthai on Sunday. “The refugees told our correspondent that they could free themselves from the terrorists clutches because of the security forces’ operations against the LTTE. The terrorists’ ability to manhandle the civilians at gunpoint is fast dwindling… people will soon escape Wanni open prison in large numbers, they added,” said the Ministry.

Pro-LTTE TamilNet website claimed at least 43 soldiers were killed and more than 70 wounded at Nalloor. “The fighting went on amid pouring rain and floods, according to the Tigers. The stiff fighting by the Tigers pushed back the troops, the LTTE said.”

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