Published on - 6/26/2008
MANNAR: ADVANCING ARMY TROOPS, now at the forefront of dominating terrorist-held un-cleared areas in the northern MANNAR sector gained further territory today (26) after capturing one segment of the ANDANKULAM - VIDATTALATIVU road amidst heavy resistance of the retreating Tiger terrorists.
The clashes lasted between 8.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. on Thursday (26) with the support of columns of troops that were encircling the area who are now in good spirits.
A stretch of about 1700 m between CHALAMPAN and MARATTIKANNADAL on the above said road was brought under full control of the Army troops pushing already beaten terrorists further into northern jungles.
The capture of this part also deprived the terrorists of their access to MANNAR – POONARYN (A-32) main road after cutting off all LTTE supplies to the south of MANNAR and to the northern POONARYN.
The seven hour long exchange of small arms and heavy weapon fire between brave soldiers and withdrawing terrorists killed at least twelve terrorists by the end of the operation that culminated a few hours ago.
None of the valiant troopers suffered any injury in the encounter that marked another phase in the fight for liberation of WANNI.
Meanwhile, PERIYAMADU area, which had become a fighting ground for some time between terrorists and brave soldiers was completely brought under the troops as the dusk fell on Thursday (26).
PERIYAMADU, a hamlet with many civil houses was used by terrorists as one of their central launching pads for attacks against the troops since of recent times.
Troops are now in the process of establishing positions and removing booby traps and other explosives from captured areas.
