Sri Lankan army resumes offensive

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, DEC. 5. One soldier was reported killed and 15 were wounded as the Sri Lankan security forces broke a lull in fighting to launch an operation in Jaffna peninsula today. They claimed to have recaptured part of a strategic land route from the LTTE.

The operation came a week after the LTTE leader, Mr. Velupillai Prabhakaran, called for a de-escalation of the war in order to create the right conditions for peace talks.

The Government has not yet responded to Mr. Prabhakaran's ambiguously worded offer. Today's operation may be an indication that the Government is not planning any immediate let-up.

A Defence Ministry release said the troops, breaking west out of Chavakachcheri, took control of over 6 sq.km. of territory in Nunavil East, including 2 km of a highway to Jaffna town.

The Air Force carried out bombings in the area all day on Monday to ease the advance of the ground troops.

The Ministry said LTTE cadres fleeing from the operation were engaged with artillery, tanks and air power. The troops had inflicted heavy casualties on the other side, it added.

Meanwhile, the LTTE attacked an army post at Thoppur, 10 km south of Muttur in Trincomlaee district, early this morning.

The fighting continued for over 90 minutes before the LTTE was repulsed, said the Ministry. One soldier and a civilian were wounded in the fighting.

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Section  : International
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