Troops capture part of LTTE’s defence lines in Akkarayankulam
2008-10-19 12:40:39

Troops have captured heavily fortified bunkers and part of an earth bund put up by the LTTE in the Akkarayankulam area of the Kilinochchi district, the Defence Ministry said.

The military described the earth bund as the last major defence of the LTTE in the area south of Kilinochchi.

Troops launched the offensives around 5.45 AM on Saturday and infantryman moving from the west of the tank captured a stretch of two kilometers on the earth bund and the 19 bunkers.

Meanwhile, troops moving from the east of Akkarayankulam tank had to slowdown their advance at the initial stages in view of gas attacks at them. However, troops withstood the chemical attack and continued the operation, the Defence ministry said.

The Defence ministry said “several soldiers made their ultimate sacrifice for the nation while many others suffered injuries during this battle. Many of the own casualties were due to booby traps, AP mines and mortar fire”.

“Battlefield sources confirmed that that the terrorists suffered significant attrition in terms man and material. At present, troops are moving in to the LTTE hiding areas in the north of Akkarayankulam tank”, the Defence ministry added.