Date:06/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/06/stories/2008070655291200.htm

International

LTTE’s strategic base captured: Colombo

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan military on Saturday claimed to have captured a “strategic base” of the LTTE in Mullathivu district in the north saying at least 37 Tigers were killed and 17 injured in continued fighting.

The Defence Ministry said the captured “Michael Base” was one of the strategic satellite bases of the LTTE’s main “One Four Base” Complex situated inside the Mullathivu jungle. The military has in recent weeks been claiming to have made territorial gains in the districts of Mannar, Vavunia and Mullathivu in stepped up offensive against the Tigers from all the fronts.

As per the Defence Ministry, the latest march in Mullathivu came after three days of fierce fighting. “Soldiers entered into the camp after beating off the enemy last morning and declared the area secured by afternoon,” it said.