Tigers’ Michael Base captured

Rafik JALALDEEN

WELIOYA: The Army’s 59 Division engaged in an offensive on the Weli-Oya front gained another victory by capturing the LTTE’s strategic ‘Michael’ base yesterday afternoon.

The Michael base, part of the 1-4 base, is located seven km north of Janakapura. Munnagam, the first base in the 1-4 complex was captured earlier.

Around 17 LTTE cadres were killed in the battle field, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.

“The base is located north of Janakapura where the 59 Division intensified offensive attacks. It is marching forward to the LTTE defence lines,” Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

The Michael base was captured following three days of operations. “Troops are consolidating their positions at the Michael base following three days of fierce fighting,” he added.

He said the Michael base was similar to the Munnagam base with an underground structure. The structure of the Michael base was extended in an area containing 200 square metres.

The Security Forces launched a search and clear operation in the area following the capturing of the base.