15 SLA killed in Pa'ndivirichchaan clash - LTTE

[TamilNet, Sunday, 27 January 2008, 15:51 GMT]
Liberation Tigers Operations Command in Mannaar claimed Sunday that at least 15 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and more than 30 SLA troopers wounded Sunday evening in a five-hour fighting in Periya Pa'ndivirichchaan area in Mannaar where SLA launched a ground offensive Sunday noon into LTTE controlled territory. Reporting that minor clashes were continuing in the area, the Tigers said a Deep Penetration Unit of the SLA with Claymore mines was defeated in Chinna Pa'nadivirchchaan around 11:00 a.m. Sunday.

The LTTE seized a Claymore device and explosives in the clearing mission, Mannaar operations command of the Tigers told media in Ki'linochchi.

In the meantime, another offensive push by the SLA was thwarted at Mu'l'ikku'lam area in Mannaar, the Tigers said.

SLA troops were supported by heavy artillery and Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) support fire from their bases.