Olumadu regained

Major strategic location on Mankulam-Mullaitivu road, Tigers suffer heavy damage:

Rafik JALALDEEN

MULLAITIVU: Army’s Task Force-3 operating on the Wanni front captured Olumadu, a major Tiger stronghold in the Mullaitivu district last afternoon.

Olumadu is four kilometres northeast of Mankulam along the Mankulam-Mullaitivu A34 road via Oddusudan.

The Task Force-3 which is engaged in a mission to liberate the Mullaitivu district had entered the Olumadu area last afternoon after a fierce battle that lasted several days, Military sources said.

Olumadu is considered as a strategic location of the Tiger outfit. The Task Force-3 inflicted heavy damage on the LTTE cadres while marching forward facing stiff resistance.

“Troops are marching forward to liberate the Wanni area amid inter-monsoonal rain. Task Force-3 that advanced to Olumadu area are consolidating their positions to dominate more uncleared areas,” sources added.

An extensive search operation was launched by troops following their domination of the Olumadu area.

Meanwhile, operations continued in Muhamalai, Kilaly and Nagarkovil yesterday.

Troops of 53 and 55 Divisions were consolidating the areas captured. They have targeted LTTE reinforcements.

Reports said that LTTE cadres were fleeing northward from their forward defense line at Omanthai.

Another convoy carrying essentials for Wanni civilians left yesterday through Omanthai.

It carried nearly 134 metric tons of sugar, flour, milk powder, soap, medicine and vegetable oil in eighteen lorries and 13,950 litres of kerosene in two bowsers for civilians in the Wanni.