3RD LEAD

20 SLA killed, weapons seized in Mannaar fighting - LTTE

[TamilNet, Thursday, 24 April 2008, 09:40 GMT]
Liberation Tigers Military Spokesman Irasiah Ilanthirayan Thursday said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) abandoned a fresh attempt to advance in Mannaar from Cheaththukku'lam east of Thirukkeatheeswaram towards Veaddaiyaamu'rippuk-u'lam after heavy resistance from the Tigers. The offensive push was launched by the SLA around 5:45 a.m. with the support of Main Battle Tanks and artillery fire. Upto 20 SLA soldiers were killed, more than 30 SLA wounded in the confrontation. One LTTE fighter was killed in action, according to Mr. Ilanthirayan.

The fighting lasted til 11:00 a.m.

Meanwhile, LTTE officials attached to Operations Command in Mannaar told media that they have seized five T-56 type 2 assault rifles and six-thousand rounds in the clearing mission.

On Wednesday, the SLA attempted advance from Paalaikkuzhi to Adampan at 2:30 p.m. and suffered heavy casualties. The move was thwarted by the Tigers, Mr. Ilanthirayan said. One SLA armoured vehicle was damaged in the confrontation. Exact casualty figures of the SLA were not available. Tigers suffered no casualties, he said.

Chronology: