Troops rattle LTTE defences, reach Puthukkudiyirippu junction - Mullaittivu

Troops of the 58 Division led by Brigadier Shavendra Silva and Task Force -8 troops led by Colonel Ravipriya under the command of Major General Kamal Goonarathne of the 53 Division, have entered the outskirts of LTTE's remaining garrison at Puthukkudiyiruppu, and reached the Puthkkudiyirippu junction following hours long fierce fighting that left scores of terrorists killed today (March 3) at around 9.30a.m.

LTTE resistances were totally neutralized by the forward domination elements of the 58 Division and Task Force - 8 that led the initial onslaughts to the heavily fortified LTTE foothold, following the breakout of intense fighting in  the area since February 20. Infantrymen of the 12(GR) Gajabha Regiment, 1GR and 4 VIR led the initial thrust into the Puthukkudiyirippu junction reportedly securing the town perimeters driving away the remaining LTTE resistances this morning. According to ground sources, terrorists have fled in total disarray in the face of inevitable defeat.

"The capture of the Puthukkudiyirippu junction, overall underscores the end game for LTTE" a defence observer said adding that they (LTTE) are only left with two potions, either to surrender with security forces or to face total destruction. The 10 and 12 GR troops flanked the western boundary of Puthukkudiririiupu while 9, 6 and 12GW troops led the offensive formations from Kombavil and Northwest of Puthukkudiyirippu. The 7(SR) Sinha Regiment, 10 and 11 SLLI troops also led assault formations into the LTTE garrison perimeters, security sources said. 1GR and 4VIR troops of the TF-8 have entered the junction advancing from South of the A- 35 Paranthan - Mullaittivu main road.

Troops are now consolidating defences in the area, while intense fighting is reported further east of Puthukkudiyirippu and Northwest at Iranapalai.