4:22 PM

LTTE takes heavy beating in Wanni

Troops forced into LTTE territory thrashing terrorist bunker lines and defences during a pre-emptive strike at Pallaikuli, south of Adampan killing 15 and seriously injuring over dozen terrorists, SLA sources said.

Ground clashes broke into a fierce artillery duel between troops and LTTE since 6.40a.m, today lasting until 12 noon. Terrorist resistance faded during intense fighting where reports were received of a mass LTTE flight into non-liberated areas in Kilinochchi and Mulaithiuvu Districts, defence sources said.

Meanwhile, security forces have destroyed six LTTE bunkers in the strategic military advance, defences sources added.Two soldiers made their ultimate sacrifice, while 12 others wounded were admitted to the general hospital at Mannar, security sources said.

SL security forces have stepped-up strikes at defences of the LTTE run mono ethnic hell hole in the Island's North, in response to the plea of thousands stranded, under worsening 'humanitarian' conditions, defence observers state.