Forces enter Puthukudiyiruppu
Liberating Puthukudiyiruppu town will open more
access to civilians fleeing Tigers:
Rafik JALALDEEN
*facing heavy defeat Tigers flee
*facing heavy defeat Tigers flee
Security Forces engaged in the last phase of their Vanni liberation
and poised to overrun the LTTE’s final bastion, entered Puthukudiyiruppu
township yesterday morning following fierce fighting.
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Task Force VIII
and troops of the 58 Division commanded by Brigadier Shavendra Silva
entered the last township under LTTE control.
Troops making speedy progress in the Vanni battle front crushed the
LTTE defence lines having captured the entire Mullaitivu barring one of
the biggest township of Puthukudiyiruppu. The LTTE cadres are now within
the Puthukudiyiruppu area.
The Tigers are battling to hold this important town, he said. Task
Forces II and IV and troops of the 53, 55, 58 and 59 Divisions entering
from all directions to liberate Puthukudiyiruppu engaged in prolonged
fighting against the LTTE cadres over three weeks.
The Tigers put on stiff resistance to block advancing troops. “Troops
launched a heavy offensive and marched forward to liberate the
Puthukudiyiruppu area,” he added.
Troops attached to the 58 and 53 Divisions and Task Force IV
encircled the township and made a decisive move to enter the
Puthukudiyiruppu town. “Task Force IV from the south, troops of the 53
division from the west and 58 division from the west and northwest
encircled the LTTE earthbund and made rapid advances to enter the
Puthukudiyiruppu township while encountering stiff resistance,” military
sources told the Daily News.
Troops of the 58 Division commanded by Brigadier Shavendra Silva
entered the last stronghold of the LTTE in Mullaitivu yesterday.
LTTE cadres suffered heavy damages and casualties, Brigadier
Nanayakkara said.
“Tiger cadres facing heavy defeat and retaliation from the Security
Forces, fled the area leaving arms and bodies.
Troops advanced into the LTTE territory inflicting severe casualties.
Scores of LTTE cadres were killed and many wounded,” Brigadier
Nanayakkara said. Military sources said that liberating Puthukudiyiruppu
town will open more access to civilians fleeing the LTTE.
After taking control of the Puthukudiyiruppu, the LTTE cadres will be
cornered to some coastal villages and jungles in Mullaitivu.
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