Stiff resistance to SLA assault in Batticaloa, 16 troopers wounded

[TamilNet, Friday, 08 June 2007, 11:08 GMT]
Sri Lankan forces launched a three pronged offensive, attempting to move towards the Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE) territory in Kudumpimalai (Thoppigala) jungles in Batticaloa district since 5:30 a.m. Friday. The SL forces encountered stiff resistance from Tiger forces at the Forward Defence Line in Eera'laikku'lam, Palaamadu and Puluddumaan Oadai, Sri Lankan military sources in Batticaloa said. 11 Sri Lankan troopers were airlifted to Polonnaruwa hospital, 2 more were being sent from Battcaloa and another two admitted at Maha Oya hospital, medical sources said.

When contacted by TamilNet, Liberation Tigers Military Spokesman Irasiah Ilanthirayan said heavy fighting ensued with the Sri Lankan forces along the Forward Defence localities in the villages Eera'laikku'lam, Palaamadu and Puluddumaan Oadai.