Biggest Tiger base in Mannar captured
Troops consolidate positions in Illuppaikkadavai:
Ranil WIJAYAPALA
MANNAR: Troops operating north of Mannar yesterday marked yet
another victory capturing the biggest LTTE base on the Mannar front,
consolidating their positions in Illuppaikkadavai 10 Kilometres north of
Vidathalthivu where they captured the biggest Sea Tiger base on the
Western coast just three days ago.
Brigadier Shavendra Silva |
Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told the Daily News
that troops of the 58 Division and Commando troops captured this Tiger
base located in a settlement bigger than Vidathalthivu town yesterday
morning. “Troops have advanced a further two kilometres north of
Illupakkadawai after consolidating their positions there by Sunday
afternoon and are engaged in search and clear operations in
Illuppaikadavai,” the Brigadier added.
At least 15 Tiger cadres have been killed during the confrontation
that continued for the past two days. “One soldier was killed and two
injured on Saturday,” Brigadier Nanayakkara said.
According to General Officer Commanding of the 58 Division Brigadier
Shavendra Silva Illuppaikkadavai town is much more developed than
Vidathalthivu where the LTTE had their biggest Sea Tiger base.
Troops operating north of Mannar yesterday marked yet
another victory capturing the biggest LTTE base on the
Mannar front and are consolidating their positions in
Illuppaikkadavai town, 10 Kilometres north of Vidathalthivu
where they captured the biggest Sea Tiger base on the
Western coast just three days ago. Here parts of the
Illuppaikkadavai town liberated by the Security Forces.
Pictures courtesy - Media Centre for National Security |
The Illuppkadavai Tiger base could accommodate more than 200 cadres.
“Tigers have fled northwards with the advance of troops on the A-32 road
and Commando troops have targeted the fleeing Tiger cadres killing at
least 15 of them and capturing a 12.7 mm gun,” Brigadier Silva added.
The 58 Division and commando troops captured Vidathalthivu on July
16, two weeks after the successful completion of operation ‘Rice Bowl’
capturing more than 120 square kilometres in the Mannar ‘Rice Bowl’ by
June 29.
Military operations on Mannar and Vavuniya fronts switched to a
speedy phase after the 58 Division on the Mannar front and the 57
Division on the Vavuniya front linked together south-west of Periyamadu
on June 30 creating a massive military front west of A-9 road.
The troops attached to 57 Division have also advanced up to four
kilometres south of Thunukkai the alternative hideout of Tiger leader
Prabhakaran located west of A-9 road, providing a strong cover for the
troops operating on the Mannar front.
“The troops are now controlling up to the 22 mile post on the Mannar-
Pooneryn A-32 road running on the North Western coast,” Brigadier Silva
added.
The LTTE is going to be deprived of the life line through the Gulf of
Mannar as their supplies from the South Indian coast will be impeded
with the loss of these bases along the North Western coast.
According to the military, the LTTE has now withdrawn towards
Vellankulam the northernmost border of the Mannar district located
another 10 kilometres north of Illuppakkadavai. |