SLA operation to take Vidaththaltheevu

[TamilNet, Saturday, 12 June 1999, 18:53 GMT]
The SLA started an operation this morning in the direction of Vidaththaltheevu, on the coast northeast of Mannar, said sources in the north. Troops moved from SLA positions in Thallaady, Uyilankulam and Madhu towards Vidaththaltheevu junction on the coastal road from Mannar to Jaffna. Sources said that today's operation appears to be aimed at gaining a strategic hold on the Mannar - Jaffna highway.

The SLA said that it had brought Vidaththaltheevu under its control this afternoon. Heavy shelling by SLA towards areas held by the Liberation Tigers was reported from Mannar.

Sources said that several civilians may have been wounded in the SLA barrage this morning. They said that it was not yet clear whether the army is consolidating its position in the newly captured area.