Tiger bunkers destroyed -SLA

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 March 1999, 19:47 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Army (SLA) said in a press release issued today from the Northern Army Command in Palaly that it had conducted a limited operation code named "Bunker Buster" during the day time on March 16, ahead of forward defence lines in the east and west of Paranthan.

The release said that this operation was conducted to destroy the LTTE's bunker points in the area.

Following is the full text of the press release.

"Troops advanced towards west completely destroying an LTTE bunker with armour and artillery, RPG and 44 mm, grenade fire.

LTTE members fired at advancing troops with small arms and fled the area. Troops engaged the fleeing LTTE members with artillery and mortar. Troops confirmed 4 LTTE members were killed during the confrontation.

Troops who were operating in the eastern flanks of the forward defence lines of the LTTE strong point and completely destroyed seven LTTE bunkers with the help of RPG and heavy machine guns.

LTTE members fired mortars and machine guns towards the troops and troops retaliated the fight with artillery and mortars. Suspected LTTE mortar locations were engaged by artillery fire. Troops confirm LTTE members suffered heavy casualties during the artillery fire. Four soldiers received minor injuries during the confrontation."