3RD LEAD

30 SLA killed, offensive thwarted, Tigers locate SLA dead bodies

[TamilNet, Saturday, 02 August 2008, 01:59 GMT]
Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam officials in Vanni told TamilNet that their defensive formations at Mallaavi thwarted Friday a three-pronged Sri Lanka Army (SLA) offensive, which was launched from Vavunikku'lam and Paalaiyadi targeting Mallaavi. At least 30 SLA soldiers were killed and more than 60 troopers sustained injuries in an intense fighting, according to the Tigers. 3 dead bodies of SLA soldiers were also recovered by the Tigers. An SLA vehicle, one AK-LMG with rounds, one RPG launcher with shells, a mortar, eleven T-56 assault rifles were seized by the Tigers.



PK-LMG rounds, hand grenades, bullet proof jackets, kitbags were also recovered in the clearing mission after the clash, the Tigers said.

The SLA has admitted that 11 SLA soldiers were killed in the fighting and that 20 wounded in the clashes that took place on Friday.

The SLA attempted to break the LTTE defence with the support of helicopter gunships and intense artillery and Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) fire while engaging the ground forces on three fronts.

The fighting broke out at 5:30 a.m. and lasted till 7:00 p.m. when the SLA was pushed back.

The Sri Lankan soldiers have left behind arms and ammunitions, the Tigers said.

LTTE officials did not provide details on their casualties.

Mallaavi is the fourth largest town in LTTE controlled Vanni.



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