Colombo: At least 15 LTTE cadres were killed as troops captured a strategic area near the rebel headquarters of Kilinochchi in the embattled Northern Sri Lanka, officials said on Tuesday.
Troops engaged in counter-offensives west of Paranthan, consolidated 300 m further southwards along the LTTE-built earth-bund-cum-ditch, capturing a LTTE strong-point, 'Sinna-Paranthan', this morning, the defence ministry said.
According to reports, troops faced stiff resistance from LTTE in the battle for Sinna-Paranthan, which is located six km west of Paranthan Township.
Intercepted rebel communication has confirmed 12 LTTE deaths while many others were also said injured during the clashes, the army quoted security sources as saying.
Meanwhile, troops are continuing clearing operations in the area.
Farmers inhabited the village before LTTE-dominated the area, the ministry quoted defence sources as saying, that LTTE bunkers and trenches were now seen built in perimeters of the government buildings, including a school and the Divisional Secretariat.
Meanwhile, fighting continued in the western fronts of Kilinochchi for the fourth consecutive day between Lankan forces and LTTE on Monday.
According to military sources, pitched battles were reported in areas south of Adampan, Puthumurrippukulam and west of Iranamadu.
The infantrymen were also assisted with close combat air support provided by the SLAF strikers, the sources further said.
Meanwhile, troops operating in general area Nevil near Kilinochchi captured a stretch of the LTTE-built earth bund reportedly destroying 6 LTTE bunker overheads while inflicting heavy damages in the duel.
According to military, snipers deployed in the area have also taken two successful enemy targets.
Troops of the 59 Division mounted heavy attacks at LTTE positions in general area Kumulamunai, Mullaittivu, as security forces confirmed inflicting serious damages on LTTE.
Both LTTE and the troops suffered damages in 13 different confrontations in the Kumulamunei area on Monday, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said adding, the 59 division of the Lankan army expanded the forward defence
line after the confrontation.
Meanwhile, troops observing a LTTE movement in general area East Olumadu directed heavy artillery causing the militants to retreat with many casualties, ground sources said.
Following hour-long fighting reported in west of Paranthan, Iranamadu and Adampan area, troops have gained control over two-km stretch breaking the LTTE's earth bund in several locations, the military said adding, troops continued their operation despite heavy LTTE resistance.
It may be recalled that 42 LTTE cadres were killed and 55 others were wounded in confrontations reported in 57 Division on Monday.
Ten army personnel were also killed, while 40 soldiers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
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