Fighting between the security forces and the LTTE broke out last night(02) at 9 p.m, in the Mullikulama, Kalmadu area in the Vavuniya District with both sides exchanging heavy artillery barrages.
The military troops launched a decisive retaliatory attack, engaging heavy artillery and mortars at identified LTTE gun positions north west of Vavuniya, initial reports said.
LTTE flanks were repulsed due to the heavy military thrust, where it is believed that a large number of terrorists are entrapped in Mullikulama area. Meanwhile, it is said that the troops are trying to cutoff the escape routes.
According to military officials, the army troops have destroyed the main terrorist offensive line, leaving large number of LTTE bodies scattered in the area. LTTE casualties are believed, to be high with soaring death figures, according to intercepted enemy communications.
The Media Center for National Security said that, 52 terrorists were killed in the latest clashes, while the enemy casualties were not confirmed. Military sources said that, the troops had seized a hoard of military hardware left away by the fleeing LTTE terrorists.
Reports said that ten soldiers have made their ultimate sacrifice in the battle front, while twenty others with minor wounds were admitted to the General Hospital at Anuradhapura.
Ground sources said that the military troops are engaged in search and clearing operations in the area, while consolidating the defence lines.
LTTE mounted the recent offensive against the security forces ahead of a proposed visit by the Japanese Peace envoy Yasushi Akashi to the Wanni area.
Defence analysts state the latest LTTE aggression is a deliberate and serious breach of the Ceasefire Agreement. It is also believed, that the LTTE has intended to create a 'humanitarian crisis' in the Vavuniya District, resulting in an exodus of displaced people. Such a situation would create a conducive environment for the outfit to continue its 'forced recruitment' drive especially underage children, the sources further added.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama addressing the Defense Ministers and Military Commanders attending the Annual IISS Asian Security Summit - The Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore, said that the government reserved the right to safeguard its people from being used as human shields by the LTTE, and also the right to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070603_09)
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