Troops consolidating near Waddawakal causeway
Rafik Jalaldeen
Security Forces poised to rescue the remaining trapped civilians,
entered the currently demarcated No Fire Zone (NFZ) yesterday morning
while troops of the 59 division which had advanced 300m are now
consolidating their position around the Waddawakal causeway.
Addressing the media yesterday at the MCNS, Military spokesman
Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said LTTE cadres confined within five sq km
in the new NFZ, are making desperate attempts to hold their position
with all means and power they possess. He said 6 SLLI and 12 SLLI
infantrymen of the 59 division after crossing the LTTE constructed earth
bund and ditch North of the Waddawakal causeway yesterday morning
advanced further 300m.
“Advancing troops of the 59 division inflicting heavy damages to the
LTTE cadres are now consolidating their position at the newly
established defence line in Sarwathottam located south of the previous
NFZ,” he added.
Meanwhile, troops of the 58 division moving from the north have
entered the new NFZ countering LTTE attacks. “Three LTTE suicide bombers
hiding inside underground bunkers have blown themselves as advancing 58
division troops closed-in on them”.
In a subsequent search operation, troops recovered 25 bodies of Tiger
cadres, 20 T56 assault rifles and other warlike items,” Brigadier
Nanayakkara said.
He said over 188,500 civilians fleeing from LTTE captivity in
Mullaitivu sought protection with the Security Forces. “Around 90
civilians have reached troops of the 58 and 59 division today,” he
added.
He noted that three child soldiers who surrendered to troops on
Sunday have been handed over to the police. Five other LTTE cadres had
surrendered to troops on Monday. Two were child soldiers.
Responding to a question whether LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakaran is
still in the NFZ, Brigadier Nanayakkara said according to information
the LTTE leader, his second in command and other leaders are still in
the NFZ. “They are making desperate attempts to flee from the area,” he
said.
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