SLA blocked in three fronts in Mannaar - LTTE

[TamilNet, Monday, 18 February 2008, 17:47 GMT]
Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam on Monday confronted Sri Lanka Army on three fronts in Maanaar from 4:00 a.m. Heavy fighting lasted till 7:30 p.m. when SLA movement was successfully blocked by the Tigers at Paalaikkuzhi, Kaddukkarai and Ka'rukkaayk-ku'lam according to LTTE's Operations Command in Mannaar. The SLA has suffered heavy casualties, the Tigers said. Atleast 10 SLA soldiers were killed by Tiger snipers. Sri Lanka Air Force Kfir fighter jets and MI-24 gunships were also engaged, providing support fire to the SLA forces. Meanwhile, sources in Mannaar city said tension prevailed in Tha'l'laadi as LTTE fired artillery shells fell inside the military garrison.

Exact casualty figures were not available.

Kfir bombers attacked Parappaangka'ndal area around 9:00 a.m. MI-24 gunships were engaged to provide fire support from the air amid heavy artillery and Mulit Barrel Rocket Fire.

Meanwhile, heavy fighting lasted in Ma'nki'ndimalai in Ma'nalaa'ru region from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. The SLA troops were withdrawn after heavy resistance by the LTTE, according to LTTE Ma'nalaa'ru Operations Command.

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