Air Force destroys LTTE aircraft - Mullaittiuvu

Sri Lanka Air Force has shot down one of the aircraft belonged to LTTE terrorists this morning (Sept 9).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said, the aircraft has been shot down in the Mualaithiuvu skies while running away following a failed mission.

He said Air Defence Radars have picked up two LTTE light aircraft while they were approaching to the Vavuniya area around 4 AM. Then the fighter jets launched from Katunayaka airbase, have intercepted the terror aircraft and destroyed one of them, he added.

Speaking further he said , the aim of LTTE in this air mission was to target the Vavuniya airbase. However, the terrorist have failed to deliver their bombs on the target , he added.

Meanwhile, Military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the terrorist have launched coordinated artillery attack at the Forward Defence of Vavuniya to support the attempted aerial mission. Troops have retaliated with heavy artillery and brought the situation under control, he added.

LTTE believed to have suffered heavy losses when Air Force carried out spoiling attacks at LTTE reserves in Kilinochchi during last couple of days. In a series of air raids, Air Force targeted number of terror marshalling points causing a severe damage to the enemy fighting capability.

Extrcated from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080909_01

Army takes commanding position west of A-9 bags Tunukkai, eyes Mallavi, Mankulam under threat

The LTTE yesterday abandoned Tunukkai on the Vanni front as the army brought the strategically important area west of the A9 road under its control.

The withdrawal came after three weeks of fierce fighting between the 57 Division and LTTE units spearheaded by the elite Charles Anthony ‘Brigade.’ The SLAF over the past few weeks engaged a range of LTTE targets in the area to facilitate the ground assault. The elite Special Forces troops assigned to the 57 Command had played a pivotal role in the fightng, the military said. The military acknowledged that the battle for Tunukkai had the toughest confrontation faced by the 57 Division commanded by Major General Jagath Dias in the recent past.

After failing to breakthrough LTTE positions south of Tunukkai, the army on Thursday had pushed towards the town from their positions west and north of the town situated halfway along the Mankulam-Vellankulam road.

The 57 Division had secured Madhu, Palampiddi, Mundumurippu, Periyamadhu, Naddakandal, Chiradikkulam and Kalvilan areas before its latest success..

Army headquarters said that ground operations on the western front had reached a critical stage with troops taking a commanding position against LTTE fortifications along the A9 road between Omanthai and Mankulam.

Senior military officials said the Task Force I on the Kilinochchi front, 57 Division on the Mullaitivu front and Task Force II advancing northwards on the right flank of the 57 Division and west of the A9, had taken the upper hand in the overall campaign in the Vanni west.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/23/news2.html

Heavy clashes erupts in Wanni, troops encounter stiff resistance from terrorists

Heavy clashes have flared up in the South of Tunukkai and South of Mallavi areas since this morning (August 1), said the defence sources in the Vavuniya - Mannar battlefront.

According to the sources, troops of 57 division continuing their advance towards the strategically vital Tunukkai town and Mallavi town have come under stiff resistance from LTTE terrorists struggling to hold their strongholds. Terrorists have lobbed hundreds of mortars in order to slowdown the advancing soldiers. However, troops have effectively overpowered the terror attack and taken the situation under control, the sources added.

According to the available information, several soldiers have been killed and others suffered wounds due to the enemy mortar fire. The terrorists too have suffered serious damages. The battle is still on, the latest reports said.

More information will follow..

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080801_07

Forces enter Kilinochchi district

Troops engaged in Wanni liberation mission have crossed the district borders between Mannar and Kilinochchi districts at an undisclosed location on the Mannar- Vavuniya combined warfront.

According to the defence sources, fall of Vellankulam, the next town come across after Iluppaikkadavai when travelling northwards on the Mannar- Pooneryn (A-32) road is imminent.

Military reports from the Wanni theatre of operations indicate 20 deaths and 29 casualties to the terrorists and report 4 others as either killed or wounded in clashes occurred in the Mannar - Vavuniya and Welioya battlefront. Also, two soldiers died while two suffered wounds.

Troops belonging to Task Force 1 (TF-1) continued their march, fighting terrorist defences along the left flank of the Mannar- Vavuniya combined front towards Iluppaikkadavai.

Troops established their control over five Square Kilometres area after beating off terrorists from Mundampiddi.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/02/sec03.asp

Forces regain Mundampiddy

MANNAR: The Security Forces operating north of Illuppaikaddavai yesterday captured the Mundampiddy area completely capturing the LTTE defences south of Vellankulam while capturing a section of Vellankulam Thunukkai from the east of Vellankulam, military sources from the Mannar-Vavuniya front said yesterday.

According to General Officer Commanding 58 Division troops have taken full control of the LTTE defence line in south Vellankulam which was constructed covering the two branches of the Pali Aru flowing to the sea from the South of Vellankulam.

The Forces also captured areas East of Vellankulam as they captured the Vellankulam – Thunukkai road which was used by the LTTE as a main supply route to feed their cadres operating north of Mannar in the North Western coast.

According to the military this is the first instance after the early 1990’s the Security Forces have captured a section of the Thunukkai -Vellankulam road.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/30/sec02.asp

Wanni operation 11 th and 14 th of July 2008

Source,
http://www.defence.lk/sinhala/videos/20080711-14_Wanni.wmv

Two LTTE strongholds fall to troops - Vavuniya front

Security forces personnel engaged in counter terrorist offensives made another major breakthrough capturing two more LTTE strongholds in Vavuniya front this afternoon, July 11.

Despite the heavy resistance, the troops in 57 division approached towards LTTE territory and captured the Naddankandal area while the troops in Task Force 2 captured Navvi area in the same front, defence sources said.

Fierce gun battles between LTTE terrorists and security forces took place during past few days in these areas and the troops were fighting through the resistance to capture these LTTE strongholds, sources added.

The offensive operations to liberate Wanni continues.

News and Graphic,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080711_08 and
www.army.lk

Jets pound suspected LTTE base amid fighting

Amid reports of sporadic clashes between the advancing government troops and Tamil Tiger guerrillas, Sri Lanka's air force bombed a suspected rebel training base Tuesday, officials said.

'The air force launched two successive air raids targeting LTTE logistic facility in Paranthan (in the north). The first attack was launched around 10.15 a.m while the other around 1.30 p.m.,' the defence ministry said.

Details of the damages caused were not immediately known.

According to the ministry, two soldiers were killed and another was wounded at Arasadikulam in Vavuniya Tuesday when the troops confronted with a group of cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

'The army foot patrol was along the Arasadikulam-Gandhinagar route when a group of terrorists directed small arms fire killing two soldiers instantly. Soldiers mounted counter attacks at the terrorists forcing the group to flee the area,' the ministry said.

In a separate report, the defence ministry said at least 18 Tamil Tigers and two soldiers were slain and over 30 wounded in sporadic clashes Monday in the Vavuniya, Mannar and Weli-Oya battle theatres.

'The security force personnel engaged in counter terrorist offensive operations are inching further towards LTTE areas, inflicting damages to the enemy,' it said.

Extracted from,
http://www.indiaenews.com/srilanka/20080708/130668.htm

Wanni liberation enters decisive phase

The Security Forces engaged in the Wanni liberation operation, entered a decisive phase yesterday as the troops created the biggest ever military front to the LTTE in the western flank of Wanni with two Army divisions that independently operated in Mannar and Vavuniya linking together from southeast of Periyamadu yesterday afternoon.

With the successful completion of the liberation of the Mannar ‘Rice Bowl’ the troops attached to the 58 Division in Mannar made this strategic move, moving further towards North East of Mannar to link with the 57 Division troops operating South of Periyamadu.

“With the linkage of the two Divisions, infantry battalions engaged in the Wanni liberation operation created a 75 km long massive military front from the West of A-9 road in the Western flank of Wanni front,” a senior military official told the Daily News.

The troops attached to 57 and 58 Divisions have liberated 1,084 square kilometres in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu districts.

“With this move the Security Forces operating in the Mannar sector are now positioned some two and half kilometres South of Vedithalthivu,” General Officer Commanding of the 58 Division Brigadier Shavendra Silva told the Daily News.

With this move by the Security Forces LTTE cadres operating in the Vedithalthivu Sea Tiger Base have started to vacate the area as they have been convinced that they cannot hold that ground further, intelligence reports indicated yesterday.

Vedithalthivu is strongest Sea Tiger Base of the LTTE in the North Western coast of the country. The LTTE depends on it for their logistic support to the North and Wanni battle fronts.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/01/sec01.asp

25 corpses of LTTE uncovered: consolidate defences in Vavauniya

Scores of LTTE terrorists were reported killed and 25 bodies recovered after fighting brokeout between troops and LTTE in general area Chiraddikulama ahead of the Vavuniya defences yesterday (June 26), since 6p.m.

According to available information LTTE terrorists have received heavy damages as LTTE battle formations were said beaten in the military push launched by the 57 Division soldiers.

Meanwhile, 25 LTTE bodies were recovered by the troops who were engaged in search and clearing operations while consolidating the newly established defences, security sources said. Troops have also uncovered 20, T-56 assault riffles, 01x 12.7mm anti-air craft machinegun , 02x RPG launchers and 01x Light machinegun, MCNS sources said.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080627_03
Photos,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080627_03 and
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14179

12 Police personnel killed, over 20 injured in LTTE suicide attack - Vavuniya

12 police personnel including 3 WPCs (Woman Police Constables) were killed and over 20 others have suffered injuries when a motorbike ridding LTTE suicide cadre blew himself in front of the SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) office complex in Vavuniya this morning, June 16.

According to the initial reports received from Vavuniya, the explosion has occurred around 7.10 a.m., targeting the Police personnel leaving the SSP office for their duties.

A total of 23 people were admitted to the general hospital at Vavuniya, including 19 Police personnel and 4 civilians, the Vavuniya hospital sources said speaking to our defence correspondent. A school girl is also among the victims who suffered injuries, hospital sources further said.

News from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080616_03
Photos,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13216

Troops capture Periyamadu Tank

The army troops captured the PERIYAMADU LAKE area completely today (14). Before this the Army had dominated three areas.

But a stretch 2.50 Km along the bund was under tiger domination.

A large number of tiger terrorists were killed and wounded in the confrontations today but exact figures were not confirmed.

Seven soldiers were injured and hospitalized

57 Brigade engaged the tigers in the lake area, which is 16 KM Northwards of MADU CHURCH

News and photo,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13180

Government troops captured 14 base in Mullaitievu

The security forces have entered Mullaitievu and they have already taken control of the One Four Base Camp where the LTTE leader at one time was hiding. The forces captured the camp yesterday after the sudden attack. The troops are in complete control of the area.

Meanwhile defence sources say the Sri Lanka Air Force attacked a LTTE bunker in the North of Alankumala area in this morning.

Air Force Media Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara says the attack was launched around 11 AM today using MI 24 fighter craft. Air force pilots have confirmed that the attack was successful.

The Media Centre for National Security says 17 LTTE terrorists were killed in clashes with the security forces in the past 24 hours in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Welioya. The Army has recovered a corpse of terrorist and several military equipments.

Extracted from,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/11686

Eleven More Tiger Corpses Delivered to ICRC

CORPSES OF ELEVEN TIGER CADRES, including six women cadres died during most recent offensives and clashes in MANNAR and WELIOYA were to be delivered to the ICRC officials Tuesday (25) afternoon at about 1.30 p.m. across the OMANTHE Entry/Exit point.

Many of those remains recovered from MANNAR area belonged to six women cadres and four males who perished in this week’s MANNAR area battles. The remaining one was from the WELIOYA sector. All those dead bodies were kept for delivery to the ICRC in MANNAR and PADAVIYA hospitals before they were removed to VAVUNIYA hospital this morning (25) after ICRC arrangements were finalized.

The ICRC at OMANTHE Entry/Exit point took over the remains for delivery to the LTTE in un-cleared areas.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=11863

Sri Lanka Troops Close in on Rebel Town

Fighting raged across Sri Lanka's embattled north killing 44 combatants as government troops closed in on a strategic rebel-held town, the military said Saturday.

The latest gunbattles that erupted along the front lines in the northern districts of Jaffna, Mannar and Vavuniya killed 41 Tamil Tiger rebels and three soldiers on Friday, military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said.

Soldiers were just a short distance from the rebel-held town of Adampan, said Nanayakkara. Capturing Adampan would be a crucial step in the military's campaign to dismantle the rebels' de facto administration in the country's north.

Read more,
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?

M'lore police nab suspected LTTE stooges

The Dakshina Kannada police today nabbed two suspected LTTE stooges who were involved in Money laundering and other works for the LTTE network.

The Police gave the names of the arrested persons as Bala Reuben alias Reuben aged 22 of Vavuniya district in Northern Srilanka and Nallathambi Jayasheelan alias Sheelan aged 25 belonging to Sangana district of North Jaffna.

The police inspector of Kankanady rural station Jayanth Shetty and Mangalore North Police Inspector Umesh Shet apprehended them in a city lodge on a tip off operation carried out today. Police Sub Inspector Narayan Byndoor was also involved in the operations. Speaking to Mangalorean.Com Jayanth V Shetty preferred to call the duo as 'Associates of LTTE'. The tip off came from the internal sources of the police and the suspicion came stronger when they were speaking in Tamil on the phone.

Read more,
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=62906
Photo,
http://mangalorean.com/images/newstemp15/20080105ltte3.jpg

LTTE facing manpower and ammunition shortage: Official

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam is wilting under pressure due to a sharp decline in recruiting cadres and acute shortage of arms and ammunition, a top government official has said.

"Faced with a severe shortage of ammunition and dwindling numbers due to growing losses and sharp drop in recruitment, the LTTE is struggling to hold their positions," Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said.

He said bulk of LTTE cadres were deployed across the Jaffna frontline, where skirmishes take place almost every day.

"On the Vavuniya front basically the fighting is taking place in the jungle, while Mannar is a open territory.

Read more,
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/LTTE-facing-manpower-and-ammunition-shortage

Commander Takes Stock of Security in Welioya & Wanni

Commander of The Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka during his Friday (7) visit to Welioya and Wanni discussed security measures at length when he met senior military officers.

His visit to the Welioya sector, in the north east of Vavuniya comes on the heels of Kebithigollewa bus blast and a series of successful flush-out operations that eliminated scores of Tiger terrorists.

On his arrival Commander Security Forces Wanni Major General Jagath Jayasuriya received the visiting chief and conducted him to address Commanders of Divisions and Brigades that come under Vavuniya Security Forces Headquarters.

Read more,
http://army.lk/morenewsfet.php?id=3086

53 LTTE terrorists killed and over 50 terrorist injured in confrontations

The Mannar - Vavuniya - Muahamalai area has been an area of increased activity in the past twenty four hours when compared with other operational areas as Trincomalee , Batticaloa , and Weli- Oya areas. In Weli-oya two terrorists were killed in a confrontation at Kokkuthuduwai at noon yesterday.

Meanwhile in Kalmadu, Batticaloa a former LTTE member identified a Thambimuttu Nadaraja was hacked to death by the LTTE . This penalty to the victim is not only as a reprisal for desertion but also as a grim and brutal reminder to warn other members of the organization of the consequences of deserting their organization . As a former foreign terrorist stated :" there is no entry fee for enlistment into a terrorist organization, but the only exit is through the cemetery".

A total of Twenty three LTTE terrorists have been killed in confrontation in the area of Adamapan South of Mannar and 57 terrorist have been injured according to LTTE communication intercepts during confrontations with troops. Three soldiers were reported killed in action while twenty sustained injuries. Many LTTE bunkers were also reported to have been destroyed in the attacks. Two soldiers were also reported killed when the terrorists launched a mortar attack on troops in the Adampan area of Murunkan and Thiruketheeswaran area, Mannar on Saturday (01) around 4.45 pm

Read more,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=9035