9 LTTE bodies, 161 AP mines recovered in search operations- Vavuniya

Troops engaged in search operations in the Vavuniya front yesterday (March 18) have recovered 9 LTTE bodies, 161 anti-personnel mines and a few warlike items security sources said.

According to military sources, SLA recovered and defused 161 AP mines laid in Vilathikulama and Padirichchan general areas by LTTE, while consolidating the newly established defences. In further search operations conducted in general area Ramanadan, troops' also recovered 14 hand grenades and a 3.5kg weighing claymore mine, security sources said.

Separately, troops while conducting search operations in general area Periyapadivirichchan recovered 9 bodies of slain LTTE cadres including 5 which were identified to be female fighters.