Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara today (Oct 2) told media that forward elements of 57 division troops are now consolidating their defences in the area, 3.5 km south of Kilinochchi outskirts.

[ad#200×200]Speaking at the weekly media briefing at the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) he said that some elements of the 57 division have already crossed the Nachchikudha – Therumurukandi road at some locations in the Akkarayankulam area. Troops have been able to cut-off the road that connects northwestern coast and the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) road at these locations, he further elaborated.

Kilinochchi built-up area is considered to be one of the longest townships in the island that runs for about 6.5 km down the A-9 road. Also, the area stretched for about 7 km across the A-9 road from the East to West. According to the latest battlefield reports the infantrymen of 4th Sinha Regiment are operating in an area just 3.5 km south of the southern border of the Kilinochchi built-up area at present.

Speaking further on the battlefield progress, Brigadier Nanayakkara said that another element of 57 division troops have captured the railway station that lies few kilometres west of the Kokavil town. He denied recent media reports claiming the Kokavil town was liberated by the Army and said that troops are yet to accomplish this task.

Commenting on the western half of the Kilinochchi battlefront, the military spokesperson revealed that troops of Army Task Force 1 are now operating in the Vannrikulam , Kariyalamodai and Manniyakkulam areas at present. According to him troops have bypassed the Nachchikudha area and are now tactically surrounding the strategically vital sea tiger stronghold from the west.

On the Mullaittivu battlefront, where troops of Army 59 division is operating , the military spokesperson revealed that troops have dominated about 80% of the Thannipurippu tank bund . Also , he said that troops moving parallel the coast have reached the southern and western regions of the Nayaru lagoon.

Speaking about the recent successes of troops , Brigadier Nanayakkara said that troops of 59 division have captures 8 satellite bases of the LTTE’s 14 (One-Four) base compound. During last 2-3 weeks troops have captured two LTTE bases named Nizam and Castro and one sea tiger base named Pasari , he said .

Adding further he said that troops of 573 brigade moving towards Mankulam from A-9 road has captured a 500m long air stripe located 7 km west of Mankulam town.

Speaking about the attrition caused to the LTTE strength , Brigadier Nanyakkara told that 66 bodies of LTTE cadres have been found during the month of September. The total number of LTTE bodies found since January is 476 he added.

-Defence.lk-