2ND LEAD

SLA advance thwarted in Mannaar - LTTE

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 11 December 2007, 15:49 GMT]
At least 20 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and more than 75 wounded when Liberation Tigers repulsed a two-pronged ground movement Tuesday in Mannnaar, according to LTTE military spokesman Irasiah Ilanthirayan. After heavy fighting that lasted from 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the SLA began retreating in two fronts in Adampan and Paalaikkuzhi. At 6:00 p.m. the SLA was pushed back to its original Forward Defence Line (FDL) position. Tigers have seized Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers, assault rifles and explosives, he said. Three fighters of the LTTE were killed in action.

The Tigers were continuing their clearing mission in the area.

Meanwhile, Four SLA troopers were gunned down by LTTE sniper team at Parappangka'ndal, Mannaar Tuesday morning around 10:30, Ilanthirayan further said.

Also, an attempt by the SLA to advance towards Adampan from Maanthai in the morning around 9:30. Two SLA soldiers were killed and six wounded in the clash that erupted at Seaththukku'lam. There were no LTTE casualties in the clash at Seaththukku'lam, Ilanthiryan said.