Forces capture strategic Tiger base
WELI OYA: Security Forces engaged in liberating the Wanni front
marked another victory when they advanced towards the Tiger front lines
on Thursday evening and captured one of the LTTE’s strategic bases
“Munnagam” in Janakapura, Weli Oya on Thursday afternoon.
Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said the Army’s 59 division
engaged in offensive attacks at the Weli Oya Forward Defence Lines
marched forward of the FDLs and captured an LTTE strategic base on
Thursday between 3.00 p.m and 4.00 p.m.
“The LTTE cadres facing fierce attacks and resistance from the
Security Forces fled from Munnagam, six km ahead of north Janakapura,
Weli Oya FDLs,” Brigadier Nanayakkara said.
The Munnagam base was used by the LTTE to coordinate and launch
attacks against the Security Forces. It was considered as a back up base
of the LTTE, he added.
The 59 division gained the LTTE Munagam base with less casualties
after three days of fierce fighting. “At least 14 Tiger cadres were
killed and 42 others injured while a soldier was killed and seven others
injured in action,” Brigadier Nanayakkara told the Daily News.
The base was located in half a square acre land inside a dense
jungle. It had three permanent buildings, three command bunkers and two
observation turrets. The other facilities were a large kitchen, storage
rooms and an underground trench system linking each facility.
“A house with two rooms, a kitchen and toilet facilities was also in
the vicinity. The LTTE cadres before their escape had left behind a
stock of clothing, GI sheets and other essential items,” he added.
He noted that the LTTE cadres supplied electricity to the Munnagam
base using a generator. A massive reinforced concrete well and two water
towers had provided a secure source of water for the entire base. |
