2ND LEAD (UPDATE)

Tiger marines conclude pre-emptive strike on Mandaithivu - LTTE

[TamilNet, Sunday, 13 August 2006, 13:56 GMT]
Marine Corps of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Saturday midnight destroyed the artillery launch pad in Mandaithivu, and Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Army's (SLA) preparations to launch a seaborne offensive towards Elephant Pass, LTTE's Military Spokesman Irasaiah Iltanthiryan told media Sunday. Two Sri Lanka Army tanks were destroyed within the last 48 hours, along A9 between Mirusuvil and Muhamalai, where severe clashes took place. Small clashes were still continuing, he said. Tiger marines returned to their positions from Mandaithivu Sunday early morning, according to LTTE military spokesman.

"22 LTTE fighters have died, and 41 were wounded in the clashes so far within the last 48 hours," Mr. Irasaiah Ilanthirayan said.

The tanks were destroyed when the Special Forces of the Sri Lanka Army's 53 Division launched a fresh offensive Sunday noon.

When asked whether the LTTE operation would continue, the Tiger military spokesman said, their operation would continue till the defensive objective is accomplished.