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Inroads into LTTE territory: Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: At least 20 soldiers and “scores” of LTTE cadre were reportedly killed in intense battles in Kilinochchi, even as the military announced the capture of the “strategically vital” Terumurikandy junction in the district.

A report on the battles by the pro-LTTE TamilNet website, however, claimed at least 90 soldiers were killed and 180 injured. It made no mention of the LTTE’s casualties.

A Defence Ministry statement said 20 soldiers were killed in the past two days. “Troops of the 57th Division, on multi-pronged offensive towards LTTE’s main administrative base, Kilinochchi, have reached a significant milestone, gaining control over the strategically-vital Terumurikandy junction,” it said.

TamilNet, however, said more than 60 soldiers were killed and 12 bodies recovered by the LTTE on Wednesday. It said the LTTE thwarted the Army’s attempts to advance from Oottuppulam to Puthumurippu.

The Ministry, while conceding that LTTE cadre put up stiff resistance, said the LTTE was unable to hold the Terumurikandy junction as combined ground and air assaults were launched. Separately, the EU has decided to give 16 developing countries, including Sri Lanka, access to EU markets.

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