Troops capture Akkarayankulam

The advancing battalions of the 57 Division, led by Major General Jagath Dias have overrun the Akkarayankulam built-up area.

Troops entered the area from two flanks. The military forward dominations are still continuing in the eastern edge of Akkarayankulam.

During subsequent search operations, troops have recovered two terrorists' bodies, two T-56 assault riffles and a I-com set, military sources said.

The Akkarayankulam built-up area is considered to be the main LTTE concentration point located 9 kms Southwest of Kilinochchi town area.

Troops are further consolidating defences in the area, defence sources said.

Troops have advanced towards the Pooneryn area of Kilinochchi after capturing most of north-west coast of the LTTE stronghold with retreating Tigers leaving behind vehicles and military equipment during intense clashes, the defence ministry said.

Intense fighting was reported in the western half of Kilinochchi battle front yesterday, causing heavy damages to the enemy, the ministry said.

It said that troops of Task Force 1 advanced further towards Pooneryn, dominating LTTE held areas along the A-32 Mannar-Pooneryn main road.

In a separate confrontation which took place in general area of Mukkamvillu in Kilinochchi, troops confirmed that LTTE suffered heavy damages.

"The confrontation took place at 3.30 pm and body of a slain LTTE cadre was found along with a motorbike left away by the fleeing outfit cadres," sources said.

In eastern Batticaloa, security forces recovered several military equipment including 161 T-56 Ammunitions at Kampanachchi area yesterday, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said. In Mullattivu, security forces "expanded their forward defence lines" in Andankulam after causing damages to the LTTE cadres in fierce clashes, the military said.