Wanni Operation continues; terrorists at their last legs in Wanni west

The Army Task force 1 troops operating in the western half of the Kilinochchi battle frontage have reached a decisive stage in their mission, as they have successfully sealed off over 90% of the 80 km long northwestern coast of the island. Following the recent liberation of Nachchikuda, the Task Force 1 now has continuous domination over 70 Km stretch of the strategically vital Mannar- Pooneryn (A-32) road.

According to the battlefield reports received so far, the Task Force 1 are now on an accelerated march towards Poonaryn; crushing remaining terrorist footholds on the northwestern coast.

Heavy confrontations were reported from the Palayilkulam area throughout yesterday (Nov 3) as the terrorists were making a desperate attempt to slowdown the advancing soldiers. Troops following a confrontation occurred around 1 PM found one body of a slain LTTE cadre along with a T-56 riffle.

During the morning hours, Army Commandos attacked a group of LTTE cadres in the Ponnaveli area inflicting heavy damages to the terrorists. Meanwhile, Army Special Forces soldiers ambushed a group of LTTE cadres traveling on a tractor in the Uruthirapuram area in the afternoon hours, causing heavy damages to the terrorists. Separate clashes were also reported from the Mukkamvillu area during the day.

Meanwhile, intercepted LTTE radio transmissions have revealed that senior terrorist leader, Iilakoon was killed during the confrontation in the Navalladi area, on Sunday (Nov 2). The slain terrorist leader was a self styled "Lieutenant Colonel" of the LTTE and a member of the ground fighters of the Sea Tigers.

Defence observers are in the view that the terrorists are fast loosing their hold in the northwestern coast of the island.