Date:26/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/26/stories/2008122660301400.htm

International

Heavy damage to LTTE, says Colombo

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan military on Thursday claimed that the LTTE suffered “heavy damages” in Ponnar and Kilalay even as the Air Force bombed two Tiger “strong points” in the Kilinochchi district.

The Defence Ministry said here troops deployed on the northern battlefront further strengthened their defence. It said the LTTE “suffered heavy damages” at Ponnar and Kilaly.

Separately, fighter jets carried out two raids targeting LTTE strong points observed in the Kilinochchi front. Air Force spokesperson Janaka Nanayakkara said the raids targeted the defence lines west of Kilinochchi and Paranthan.

The military claimed that 21 civilians including 9 children who were able to escape the LTTE’s grip and met security forces in Kokkuthuduwai, Mullathivu.