Troops lay siege South of EPS: Overrun LTTE foothold at Kurinchattiv and enters Thamilamadam

Troops of the Task Force-1 have reached the southern outskirts of Elephant Pass (EPS), the South most LTTE stronghold in the Jaffna peninsula after series of heavy clashes with the terrorists. According to the battlefield reports, troops have gained total control over Kurinchattiv village located on the eastern bank of Jaffna lagoon and entered Thamilamadam area this afternoon (Jan 5).

The fall of Kurinchattiv draws tactical advantage to the security forces, who are determined at flushing out the remaining LTTE fortifications in the Elephant Pass, Kilaly, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil areas, the sources said. Further troops moved more eastwards from A-9 road and entered a fishing village - Thamilamadam. Thamilamadam is located south of Jaffna lagoon which is a very low-lying area. 

Kurinchattiv with its unique high ground area, a vital topographical feature adds more advantage for the recent military manoeuvres of the SL Army where troops will be able to concentrate heavy gun attacks at all directions, the sources further said. According to latest reports received from the battlefront, TF-1 troops are further pushing into the EPS while separate military fighting formations are marching eastwards at LTTE last bastion in Mullaittivu, security sources said.

Elephant Pass is the main entrance to the Jaffna Peninsula which can be used in all weather conditions. In 1991, Army Corporal Gamini Kularathne of Sri Lanka Army Sinha Regiment made his supreme sacrifice to save his comrades by attacking an explosive laden bulldozer driven by an LTTE suicide bomber. Corporal Gamini prevented the LTTE bulldozer entering the Army camp by getting on to the vehicle and immobilizing it with a hand grenade attack. He was posthumously conferred with Parama Weera Vibhushanya (PWV), the award for the bravery of highest order.