SLA operation slows as casualties mount

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 25 April 2001, 11:23 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army offensive south of Eluthumadduval and Kilaly slowed down this afternoon amid heavy resistance and counter fire by the Liberation Tigers, sources in Jaffna said. At least 84 SLA troopers were wounded and 28 killed in eight hours of fighting, military sources in the north said. Shelling continued in the Nagar Kovil sector.

Sri Lanka Air Force jets are still on bombing sorties over the areas held by the LTTE, sources said. Meanwhile, army sources in Jaffna said that their casualty figure would be higher when the situation in the Palay military hospital becomes clear this evening. Casualties among the Liberation Tigers are not known.