Forces repulse attack, recover weapons

Rafik Jalaldeen

Thirty nine LTTE cadres were killed and 25 injured in fierce fighting yesterday. The Security Forces successfully repulsed the Tiger artillery and mortar attacks. Arms and weapons were recovered following the incident, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.

The LTTE cadres launched a pre down attack yesterday between 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. targeting the Security Forces in the recently liberated Adampan area in Mannar. "The Tiger cadres launched heavy artillery and mortars in Manthai from south of Adampan.

The fighting lasted for three hours and the Security Forces successfully retaliated the LTTE attack inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists," Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

He pointed out that the LTTE communication confirmed the defeat of their outfit. LTTE communications confirmed that 35 Tigers were killed and 25 injured in the clash with the Security Forces, he added.

In a subsequent search operation, a haul of arms and weapons were recovered. Six soldiers were killed and 20 others injured in the confrontation. In a separate incident, four LTTE cadres were killed and a Tiger bunker was completely destroyed by the Security Forces last morning in Muhamalai.

The confrontation took place to the north of the A9 road in Muhamalai at around 4.50 a.m.

The LTTE faced heavy casualties in the attack.

"Tiger communications revealed that the LTTE was pleading for reinforcements and assistance from whatever sources available in other areas to evacuate their casualties," Brigadier Nanayakkara said.