Conflicting claims over Chavakachcheri

[TamilNet, Sunday, 17 September 2000, 18:08 GMT]
Heavy fighting has been continuing between the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and the Liberation Tigers in the Chavakachcheri sector in the Thenmaradchi Division from early hours Sunday said sources in Jaffna. The Sri Lankan Defence Ministry told reporters that government troops have captured the key town of Chavakachcheri in a military operation which commenced around 8 a.m. However, the Liberation Tigers said that government troops had entered the outskirts of the town and heavy fighting was raging.

A statement issued by Sri Lanka's Special Media Information Centre said Sunday that SLA troops have captured the key town of Chavakachcheri. Four soldiers, including an officer were killed and 43 were wounded in Sunday's fighting, according to the statement.

However, official LTTE sources in London said Sunday night that heavy fighting was continuing in the area as troops who entered the outskirts of Chavakachcheri town met fierce resistance.