Fifty six Tigers killed, scores wounded

Troops secure two kilometre stretch:

Rajik Jalaldeen

Fifty-six Tiger cadres were killed and scores wounded when troops battling to liberate the Vanni front secured a two kilometre stretch West of Paranthan, Adampan and Iranamadu last afternoon.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Task Force-I and troops of 57 division were engaged in a heavy fire battle with the LTTE cadres and marched towards to secure the two kilometre stretch.

“A fierce fighting raged since morning and the Task Force-I and troops of 57 division thrust forward facing LTTE resistance and inflicted heavy casualties on Tiger cadres,” he added.

He said troops stretched their defence two kilometres West of Paranthan, Adampan and Iranamadu and were engaged in a clearing operation to recover Tigers’ bodies and weapons.

He said intercepted LTTE communications confirmed that the LTTE suffered heavy casualties. “At least 56 Tigers were killed and over 87 injured in the battle,” he added.

Ten soldiers sacrificed their lives during the confrontation and 40 were injured.