SLA crush LTTE defences: fall of Nachchikuda imminent
Troops of the Task Force -1, launched a multi-pronged
offensive at the LTTE's western coastal bastion at Nachchikuda, from
early this morning (Oct 28), most decisive since August, after fighting
brokeout between troops and LTTE to gain dominance of the vital terrain.
The military offensive was mounted with intense
artillery fire and infantry support as troops threw back LTTE counter
attacks, destroying and capturing vital terror positions in the area.
The military battle formations were drawn from the North and South of
Nachchikuda, scoring heavy LTTE casualties. The fall of Nachchikuda is
imminent as troops are now poised to launch an all-out offensive at the
remaining terrorist strong points.
Heated arguments have surfaced between the LTTE's
ground leaders over the lack of reinforcement and morale of fighting
cadres sent to the battlefront INTEL sources said, adding that many have
fled into remote areas after failing to put-on stiff resistance against
the military.
The LTTE has being attempting to stall the military
advance along the A-32 Mannar -Pooneryn main road, especially
Nachchikuda, defence observers said adding that the loss would worsen
the LTTE's hope of survival along the western coast. The Western coast
remains to be the main life line for the LTTE since the double blow
following the liberation of east and denial of the A-9 trunk road.
Also, troops positioned at Kunchchikulama and North of
Manniyankulama stepped-up assaults at identified LTTE locations further
extending its dominance in the area, Wanni defence sources said.
Meanwhile, fighting was reported South of Jayapuram as
troops continued running into LTTE defences. Military claimed heavy LTTE
casualties in the hours long confrontations, reported since early this
morning.
The gain of Nachchikuda remains to be the main prize
for military, after the fall of Vidattaltivu, a main LTTE sea tiger base
in the western coast. The military offensives launched by the Task Force
-1, under the command of Brigadier Shaveendra Silva in the western coast
in Kilinochchi District, are aimed at opening a humanitarian land supply
route while also denying supply lines for LTTE.
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