25 terrorists killed, 30 wounded in Wanni fighting

Security forces made further advances into LTTE defences along the Wanni battle theatre stretching from Mannar Western coast towards Kokkuthuduvali in the Eastern boarders Sunday (July 20) as troops claimed killing 25 terrorists while injuring 30 others during the confrontations.

According to finalized military reports, 12 other terrorists were either killed or seriously injured in addition one dead and 13 injuries reported from military. LTTE terrorists received heavy beating at the combined Mannar-Vavuniya front during the multi-pronged assaults launched, as troops claimed killing18 terrorists and wounding 16 others in yesterday's confrontations. Troops belonging to Task Force -2, operating the Eastern flank of the Mannar - Vavuniya front continued offensive at LTTE positions killing 9 terrorists , injuring 12 others at Navvi, while 2 terrorists were also reported killed and similar numbers wounded at Palaimoddai on Sunday.

Meanwhile, troops operating under the 57 Division led extensive ground assaults at LTTE, penetrating further towards the Thunukkai, Mallavi- Mankulama main road, as Army claimed killing 7 terrorists, injuring 2 others, according to reports. 6 soldiers were also wounded in the confrontations reported in general areas East of Pandiyankulama, Kuttimulai, Parappukkal and Karaveddivembu.

Also, 7 LTTE terrorists were reported killed and 14 wounded following offensives launched by troops at the Welioya front. According to military, 12 other terrorists were also believed either killed or wounded during the clashes erupted North of Kiriibbanwewa and Janakapura. Military reports further stated that a soldier has laid his life and 5 others wounded in the confrontations.

Meanwhile, troops engaged in search operations in general area North of Kiriibbanwewa uncovered 177 anti-personnel mines (AP) and 27 IEDs, while 29AP mines and an IED was also reported found in a separate search operation in the same area at around 3p.m.

Meanwhile, a soldier was reported wounded during a confrontation with a group of terrorists in general area Kodikamama, Jaffna, according to reports received from the Northern battle front.