Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032254721400.htm

International

32 Tigers killed: Colombo

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan military on Friday claimed that at least 32 LTTE cadre and a soldier were killed in continuing battles along the Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) in the north.

The Defence Ministry said here special infantrymen ambushed a tractor transporting the cadres in the Konthakarankulma area, in the West of Omanthai. It said soldiers who had penetrated the LTTE defence line at the Vavuniya battlefront had launched the surprise attack and killed five Tiger cadres.

While withdrawing, the soldiers destroyed two LTTE bunkers killing three more cadres. “No casualties reported to own troops in this incident,” said the Ministry.

Quoting “defence observers”, the military said the special operations conducted in areas immediately ahead of the LTTE defences have been making a “huge contribution in clearing the terrorists barriers” into Wanni region.

“Increasing number of civilians arriving at security forces camps daily have confirmed the same that they would never be able to escape the terror clutches unless for the dwindling power of the terrorists along the defence lines. The walls of the LTTE run mono ethnic hellhole of Wanni is falling down on by one and the much awaited freedom for civilians is getting nearer,” it said claiming that 24 LTTE cadres were killed in clashes in the Wanni and Northern battle theatre.