SLA-LTTE fire-fights in the North

[TamilNet, Monday, 09 March 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A press release issued by the Sri Lankan Security forces' Head Quarters in Palaly, Jaffna, said that there was a confrontation between a SLA patrol and a small group of the Liberation Tigers in Vaddukkodai area, Saturday night at 7.25 p.m.

The release said that there were three tigers in the group and one of them was killed in the fire-fight. Later, according to the release, the SLA soldiers searched the area and recovered the body of the killed Liberation Tiger along with 2 T-56 assault rifles, 2 magazines, 2 electronic detonators and a cyanide capsule.

Reports from Jaffna said that there were confrontations in 3 places in the peninsula between the SLA and the Liberation Tigers, yesterday.

In a confrontation in Kachchai, south-east of Chavakachcheri, the Liberation Tigers attacked an SLA patrol, in the afternoon. Details of the casualties on either side were not known.

In another confrontation yesterday morning, the LTTE attacked a SLA patrol that went into Kudaththanai in Vadamaradchi east. But again the casualties on either side were not known.

A fire-fight by the Gurunagar coast was reported last night around 10 p.m. between the LTTE and the SLA. Heavy firing was heard in the area said local residents.

The SLA opened up with artillery fire towards Gurunagar, said residents.