Date:26/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/26/stories/2008072680011400.htm

International

30 LTTE cadre killed

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan military on Friday claimed that at least 30 LTTE cadre including leader of Charles Anthony band were killed in heavy battles after it captured new territory from LTTE control in the Mullathivu district on Thursday.

The Defence Ministry said here troops moved further into the non-liberated area three km southeast of Mallavi capturing the Vavunikulam Tank bund, in Mullathivu District.

It claimed the Army continued to pound identified LTTE positions dispersing its offensive wave as infantrymen and Special Forces hunted down remaining terrorists inflicting heavy damages.

Separately, the Air Force claimed to have totally neutralised an LTTE mortar launching pad located in the Mullathivu district, during close-fire-support missions launched assisting the advancing ground troops. According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, 4 Mi-24 helicopter gun ships engaged in the despite an `array of LTTE counter fire.