Forces capture Muhamalai first defence lines

Troops to move southwards to link with Paranthan-bound brigades :

Ranil WIJAYAPALA

Muhamalai: The troops of the 53 Division and 55 Division operating in the Jaffna Forward Defence Lines in Muhamalai and Kilali yesterday took full control of the heavily fortified LTTE’s first defence lines north and south of the A-9 road after five days of fighting and inflicting heavy damage to the LTTE, Military officials told the Daily News yesterday.

Troops of the 53 Division under the command of Brigadier Kamal Gunaratne and 55 Division troops under the command of Brigadier Prasanna Silva have advanced some 500 to 800 meters from the original defence line of the Security Forces to hit the first defence line of the LTTE.

They consolidated their positions amidst Tiger counter attacks to recapture it, by early hours of yesterday.

The LTTE withdrew to this defence line after the Security Forces captured their original first defence line after fighting broke out on August 11, 2006.

“The troops of the 53 Division and the 55 Division are now controlling the eight Kilometres long Tiger first Defence line from Kadolana area north of A-9 road to Kilali, south of the A-9 road,” a senior Army official told the Daily News. “Troops are still facing counter attacks by the LTTE as they are trying their best to recapture this defence line bringing reinforcements to the area,” the official added.

According to military sources the troops are now confronting the LTTE cadres who had withdrawn to their second defence line located some 600 meters away from the first defence line and third defence line located nearly one kilo metre south of the first defence line.

“They have created huge earth bunds to stop the advance of the troops into their defences and heavily mined the area to make it inaccessible for the infantry troops,” he added.

“Initially there was stiff resistance by the LTTE but by yesterday the resistance subsided to a certain degree,” the official added.

According to military sources more than 50 Tiger dead bodies were seen scattered ahead of the Tiger FDL and they believe more than 75 Tiger cadres perished in the ensuing battles in Muhamalai and Kilali.

Intercepted radio transmission reports revealed a heavy toll of deaths and casualties to the terrorists during these clashes.

The Army confirmed the destruction of four improvised mortar guns of the terrorists known as “Pasilan” and “Baba” mortars. Terrorist leaders, Theepan, Muhundan and Jerry were heard making unsuccessful calls for their forward elements to hold their positions.

The Army also suffered a number of deaths and casualties in the ensuing battle within the first few days due to heavy volumes of artillery and mortar attacks coming from Soranpattu area in the South of Muhamalai. “Troops also suffered casualties due to traps set by the LTTE once troops were moving into trenches and bunker lines of the LTTE,” the official added.

With the full consolidation of the Tiger FDLs troops are poised to advance further southwards to link up with the troops now heading towards Paranthan after the capture of Pooneryn, sources added.