Operation Rana Gosa II takes Madhu

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 23 March 1999, 03:33 GMT]
The population in the general area of Madhu taken by Sri Lankan Army (SLA) yesterday remained in their villages and refugees camps during 'Rana Gosa II' said sources in Vavuniya today. The army is currently camped in the Madhu school.

Civilians have been prohibited by the army from moving out of their villages and camp areas until further notice.

SLA sources in Vavuniya said that Operation Rana Gosa II might be concluded today when the troops link up on the road from Iranai Iluppaikkulam to Palampiddy.

With this link up the strategic portion of the interior road which links the A9 and the highway from Mannar to Jaffna through Pooneryn will come under the control of the SLA.

Palampiddy is about 13 kilometers from Iranai Iluppaikkulam.

SLA sources in Vavuniya said that linking up with the Mannar-Pooneryn- Jaffna highway at the Vidaththaltheevu junction is now only a matter of time.

They said that the operation has brought the largest sheltered refugee population in the Vanni under the government's direct supervision now.

They said that the operation has brought 325 square kilometers under the Army's control.