Troops consolidate

Rafik JALALDEEN

With Security Forces making rapid progress in the Vanni confining the LTTE to a 100 square Kilometer area in the Mullaitivu jungle, troops of the 53 division entered the Puthukudiyiruppu consolidating their positions 800m south of Puthukudiyiruppu town.

Addressing the media at the MCNS, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the LTTE cadres were now confined to a 100 square KM area as troops advance to liberate entire Vanni from Tiger clutches and rescue civilians.

“Two Task Forces and three troop divisions are launching humanitarian operations to liberate the entire Mullaitivu”, he added. Brigadier Nanayakkara noted that troops attached to the 53 division is consolidating their position 800m South of Puthukudiyiruppu town while Task Force IV are moving towards the A-35 Paranthan- Puthukudiyiruppu road.

“The TF IV after capturing part of the A35 road are moving from the south and west to clear the entire A35”, he added.

TF II and troops of the 58 division in the Udayanarkattukulam junction are advancing towards the North of A35 road.

Troops attached to 55 Division is marching towards Amparavan and Kukarayan from Chalai lagoon. He said as a consequence of declaring the Safe Zone by the Security Forces and the dropping of leaflets by the Air Force instructing civilians to take safe passage, nearly 35,756 civilians crossing the uncleared area reached the Security Forces.

The displaced civilians had been directed to welfare centres in Mannar and Vavuniya. “A total number of 1,611 sick and wounded civilians evacuated from Mullaitivu with the assistance of the ICRC are being treated at the Government hospitals in Trincomalee”, he added.