Wanni Operation continues; terrorists at their last legs in Wanni west

Wanni Operation continues; terrorists at their last legs in Wanni west

SRI LANKA- The Army Task force 1 troops operating in the western half of the Kilinochchi battle frontage have reached to a decisive stage in their mission, as they have successfully sealed of over 90% of the 80 km long northwestern coast of the island. Following the recent liberation of Nachchikuda, the Task Force 1 now has continuous domination over 70 Km stretch of the strategically vital Mannar- Pooneryn (A-32) road. According to the battlefield reports received so far, the Task Force 1 are now on a accelerated march towards Poonaryn; crushing remaining terrorist footholds on the northwestern coast. Heavy confrontations were reported from the Palayillulam area throughout yesterday (Nov 3) as the terrorists were making a desperate attempt to slowdown the advancing soldiers. Troops following a confrontation occurred around 1 PM found one body of a slain LTTE cadre along with a T-56 riffle.

During the morning hours, Army Commandos attacked a group of LTTE cadres in the Ponnaveli area inflicting heavy damages to the terrorists. Meanwhile, Army Special Forces soldiers ambushed a group of LTTE cadres traveling on a tractor in the Uruthirapuram area in the afternoon hours, causing heavy damages to the terrorists. Separate clashes were also reported from the Mukkamvillu area during the day. Meanwhile , intercepted LTTE radio transmissions have revealed that senior terrorist leader , Iilakoon was killed during the confrontation in the Navalladi area , on Sunday (Nov 2).

The slain terrorist leader was a self styled "Lieutenant Colonel" of the LTTE and a member of the ground fighters of the Sea Tigers. Defence observers are in the view that the terrorists are fast loosing their hold in the northwestern coast of the island.www.defence.lk