145 killed in northern fighting

At least 120 Tamil Tiger rebels and 25 government soldiers are dead following fierce clashes at the Kilinochchi battlefront yesterday.

The Defence Ministry website reported that over 250 LTTE carders were also injured during intense battles ensued between troops and LTTE, West of Paranthan, Admapan and Iranamadu at the Kilinochchi battlefront. The Sri Lankan military said 10 soldiers are missing following the fighting and around 160 more injured. Sri Lanka Air Force MI 24helicopter supporting 58 Division troops destroyed an LTTE boat in the Kilaly lagoon around 6 last evening.

Military Spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said heavy fighting broke out on the outskirts of Kilinochchi and Northern FDLs since early yesterday morning as military offensive divisions commenced mounting artillery and heavy mortar attacks at identified terror locations, shifting the Wanni battle phase into a decisive stage.

According to latest military reports, the Task Force 1 and 57 Division troops have also gained control over a 5 km stretch of the LTTE built earth bund cum ditch, west of Paranthan and Kilinochchi. Troops are now consolidating defences in the area.

Meanwhile, LTTE heavy gun locations and terrorist concentration positions were targeted in the attacks, as military said that terrorists manning defences south of A-9 at Kilaly FDL were left in total disarray.

Separately, 57 Division troops have entered the Chorikenkulam vilage located 7km west of the A-9 main road. Troops have also uncovered two LTTE bodies along with two radio communication sets, a multi-purpose machine gun (MPMG) and a T-56 assault rifle while consolidating positions South of Iranamadu last evening.