LTTE’s days numbered as troops make final move to free civilian hostages in Mullaittivu

In what is considered to be the largest humanitarian intervention by a conventional military force in modern time, Sri Lankan security forces despite its prowess in the battlefield have launched a decisive tactical maneuver to free over hundreds of civilians held hostage by LTTE in the thin 17sq.km coastal land strip at Mullaitttivu.

LTTE terrorists tasted worst defeat by security forces with the loss of its long standing ‘military’ presence at Puthukkudiyirippu, losing over 420 fighting cadres including over a dozen ‘high rankers’ during four days of pitched fighting.

According to reports received, 53 Division and Task Force -8 troops have recovered over 130 LTTE bodies including those of Theepan, Panjan, Keerthi and Mahindan(a senior sea tiger cadre). 5 VIR, 6 GR infantrymen and 2-Special Forces (2SF) troops have recovered 64, 23 and 43 LTTE bodies during subsequent search operations conducted, security sources said.

List of items recovered by 53 Division/ TF-8 troops during Sunday’s (05) clearing operations.

Meanwhile, 8GR, 9GW, 12GR, 14GR, 20GR, 11 SLLI and 20 SLLI infantry battalions of 58 Division have also engaged intense assaults at LTTE terrorists killing over 150 and and recovering 140 odd bodies from the battle front yesterday.

List of items recovered by 58 Division troops during clearing operations conducted on Sunday.

Ministry of Defence