Troops repulse LTTE offensive

Soldiers deployed ahead of the recently liberated Palampiddi area, Vavuniya have totally neutralised an LTTE offensive attempt to open -up the military defences in a heavy gun attack mounted from non-liberated areas on Monday.

LTTE cadres were forced to withdraw with casualties during sustained heavy retaliation by Security Forces. At least a dozen terrorists were killed and 21 others injured during the counter terrorist operations launched since Monday morning at around 5.

Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said seven terrorists were killed in confrontations with troops in Periyamadu, Palamipiddi and Mullikulama general areas, while five others were also said killed during fighting in Welioya defences.

Three Police constables received injuries yesterday morning at 7.45.a.m., when a suspected LTTE cadre lobbed a hand grenade at a Police post located along the Medawachchiya- Mannar main road in Manik Farm area at Settikulama. According to Settikulama Police sources, the attacker has fled the scene.