Troops continue offensives in Wanni despite heavy resistance: 37 terrorists killed in yesterday's clashes

Gallant soldiers of Sri Lanka Army continued their offensives yesterday (Aug 5) in the Wanni region despite heavy resistance given by the terrorists. According to the military reports received from the battlefronts 37 terrorists were killed and, 89 injured and 5 more were reported as either killed or wounded. Also, a soldier was killed in action, 2 missing in action and 10 others suffered injuries during these battles.

Troops of Army 57 division marching towards strategically vital terror stronghold at Tunukkai encountered heavy resistance from the terrorists struggling to defend their positions right throughout the day. Clashes were initially erupted in the Kalvilan area 2 Km South of Tunukkai around 8.15 AM when terrorists launched an attack at troops. Troops crushed the terror offensive with the assistance of artillery and mortar fire. A soldier went on missing following the confrontation.

Following the initial confrontation terrorist regroups and launched a major offensive at troops deployed in the Kalvilan area around 11.10 AM. Pitched battles prevailed till about 7 PM on the same day evening when troops finally overwhelmed the terror offensive. According to the reports terrorists made several attempts to break the troops' defence with heavy indirect fire but miserably failed in the face well determined soldiers. 27 terrorists were killed and over 73 others suffered injuries during the clashes. Also, a soldier was killed and 4 were wounded.

Meanwhile, troops of Task Force 2 operating in the right flank of the combined Vavuniya-Mannar front carried on their offensives in the Palamoddai area in course of the day.

Troops confronted with a group of terrorists around 4.15 PM while extending their defence lines. A soldier went on missing and another suffered injuries in this incident. Later, monitored LTTE radio transmission confirmed that 3 terrorists had been injured. Elsewhere, a sniper claimed that one terrorist had been shot down around 3.30 PM. A soldier suffered injuries due to AP (anti personnel) mine explosion occurred separately around 10.45 AM.

Meanwhile, troops of 56 division operating in the East of Jaffna- Kandy (A-9) road attacked an LTTE bunker located in the Navatkulama area around 15.30 PM. Troops claimed that one terrorists had been killed.

On the Welioya front, troops of 59 division maneuvering in the Mullaittivu forest kept on engaging in the terror targets scattered in the North of Janakapura and North of Kiriibbanwewa areas during the day.

During the operations conducted in the general area North of Janakapura, troops claimed 4 terrorists had been killed and 5 others wounded. Also, two soldiers suffered injuries. Troops captured 2 terror bunkers including one suspected to be an LTTE dressing station.

In the general area North of Kiriibbanwewa troops had series of clashes with the terrorists and claimed 5 terrorists had been killed, 8 others wounded, while 5 more either killed or wounded.

Meanwhile, troops engaged in mine clearance operations in the area removed 52 AP mines and disposed 10 IEDs (improvised explosive devices) during the day.