[ad#200×200]The Sri Lanka Army’s 571 and 572 Brigades of the 57 Division commanded by Major General Jagatha Dias are entering Kilinochchi from the western flank and the 574 Brigade from the southern flank as this is being written this morning (Jan. 2).

In the meantime Asian Tribune learns that Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse is expected to make an official statement today regarding the fall of Kilinochchi according to Minister Keheliya Rambukkawella.

Meanwhile Task Force 1, commanded by Brigadier Shavendra Silva has already entered Kilinochchi town from the north and troops are consolidating their newly captured positions at Karadipokku junction, which is the northern edge of Kilinochchi, the LTTE’s self proclaimed administrative capital.

The LTTE’s 93 Base, which is the administrative hub of the Tiger female cadres, is in army hands right now. Troops of the Sri Lanka Army’s 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry, 10 Gajaba regiment and 6 Gemunu Watch are some of the personnel engaged in this offensive. Military sources at the front say that most of the surviving LTTE cadres are fleeing towards Mullaitivu, the last remaining bastion of the Tamil Tigers.

In the Mullaitivu theatre of operations, four formations of the Sri Lanka Army’s Task Force 2, 3 and 4 as well as troops of the 59 Division are closing in on Mullaitivu, while the Sri Lanka Air Force MI 24 helicopter gun ships are providing close air support to the advancing troops.

By Ruwan Weeakoon in Colombo.
– Asian Tribune 02/01/2009 –