Troops breach LTTE earth bunds; 62 rebels killed in clashes

T V Sriram
Colombo, May 6 (PTI) Advancing Sri Lankan troops today breached several LTTE earth bunds in the rebel-held area in the island's northern war zone after capturing Vellamulliwaikal area, even as 62 Tamil Tigers were killed in continued military offensive.

Troops of the 58th Division breached LTTE earth bunds in Vellamulliwaikal, which the soldiers captured last night after an intensive fighting with the rebels, the army said today.

The rebels are still constructing more earth bunds to delay the forward march of the forces. However, soldiers have managed to advance further steadily, the official said.

53rd Division commander Major Gen Kamal Gunarathne had also captured several earth bunds built by the LTTE during the past two days, the Sri Lankan Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Security sources say that about 50 LTTE cadres were killed during the fighting in last 24 hours. The cadres have been concealed into a limited extent of four kilometers.

Troops of 58th and 53rd Divisions, engaged in hostage rescue mission, have further advanced towards Karayamulliavaikkal near the 'No-Fire-Zone' amid stiff resistance from the LTTE fighters making desperate attempts to hold their remaining grounds, military sources said.

Infantrymen of 58th Division on offensive march towards LTTE built earth bund inflicted heavy damages to the rebels manning the bund, resisting security forces advance yesterday. PTI