Troops of 55 Division, operating in north of Palamathalan to rescue Tamil civilians held in no fire zone, have already breached the LTTE built earth bund and continued their offensive beyond the earth bund by last evening, 29 March, inflicting heavy damages to the LTTE, latest military report received from the battlefront said.
LTTE terrorists have fled the area leaving the bodies of LTTE cadres killed in hours-long fighting took place in the area, military sources added.
Intercepting LTTE communication channels, it is learnt that a senior sea tiger leader known as Uththaman who commanded the ground battle making desperate attempt to hold the area was also killed during the battle.
In subsequent search operation conducted in the area following the intense fighting, troops have found 13 bodies of LTTE terrorists killed along with more military items left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
13 x T-56 assault riffles, 1 x Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) were also uncovered during the search operation.
The offensive operation is being continued beyond the LTTE built earth bund gaining control over more areas in north of Palamathalan. 55 Division troops under the command of Brigadier Prasanna Silva have breached LTTE defences and gained control over an LTTE built earth bund come ditch constructed North of Palamathalan, Saturday (March 28).
Terrorists fled putting-up less resistance security sources said adding that at least 8 terrorists were killed and 17 others wounded in yesterday's fighting. Terrorists are continuously mounting heavy artillery and mortar attacks from the government declared No Fire Zone, and this has been the only response the terrorists could give avoiding direct engagement with military, security sources said. During subsequent search operations conducted, troops have found 2 LTTE bodies along with 2 T-56 assault riffles, the sources further said.
