Troops encircle LTTE town, claims Lankan Army

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan troops on Monday stepped up their offensive in the Northern region, encircling the LTTE's last military stronghold of Puthyukkudiryirippu town, by overrunning its security bund and killing at least 9 rebels in fierce clashes, Army said on Monday.

Puthyukkudiryirippu town is the last built up position of the Tigers and once they lose it, they would have no option but to disperse to wage a guerrilla warfare.

By breaching the anti-tank bund, the Sri Lankan troops were just 400 metres striking distance of the LTTE held town. Troops of the 58th Division and Task Force- 8 were leading the twin-pronged offensive into the town.

Troops on Sunday gained control over sections of the LTTE built earthbund at Kombavil, the defence ministry said. The troops also recovered three LTTE bodies and 2 T-56 weapons after the confrontations.

According to military sources, LTTE fighters put-on stiff resistances which were successfully neutralised by the advancing 58 Division infantrymen. The LTTE have built an earth bund running North to South fortifying the Iranapali area, which is considered a key LTTE foothold.