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20 LTTE cadres killed in Vavuniya

B. Muralidhar Reddy

Army claims control of A-5 main road

COLOMBO: At least 20 cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and a soldier were killed in pitched battles in Vavuniya in the last 24 hours. The Tigers, however, claimed the bodies of eight soldiers were in their possession.

A statement by the military said a soldier was killed and four others sustained injuries in a LTTE mortar attack Vavuniya on Tuesday. "The LTTE terrorists fired mortar rounds at 2.30 p.m. targeting the troops on duty at the defence line at Mullikulam in Vavuniya. LTTE radio communication confirms that 20 cadres have been killed due to the heavy retaliatory attack launched by the security forces."

Meanwhile, TamilNet, quoting LTTE military spokesperson Irasiah Ilanthirayan, claimed that the LTTE had "repulsed a fresh ground operation" by the Army, which attempted to move towards Paalamoddai, northwest of Vavuniya. "Sri Lankan Army troopers, on retreat, left behind their dead soldiers, arms and ammunition, including a rocket propelled grenade launcher and 15 automatic guns," he said.

While clearing the area, the Tigers came across the bodies of eight soldiers, which would be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Three LTTE cadres were killed when then confronted the soldiers, Mr. Ilanthirayan said.

Separately, the military said security forces in the east had gained complete control over the A-5 main road on Wednesday. The road would be completely free from terrorist threats hereafter "enabling all civilians to move about freely for their day to-day activities, as was the practice before terrorists infiltrated those areas."

The southern "besieged" areas included Karadiyanaru, Sinnapillumale, Aiththiyamale, Thumpalanchole, Weligahakandiya, Kalkudah and adjoining villages.

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