30 SLA killed, offensive thwarted - LTTE

Aug 2, 2008, 05:14

Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam officials in Vanni told TamilNet that their defensive formations at Mallaavi thwarted Friday a three-pronged Sri Lanka Army (SLA) offensive, which was launched from Vavunikku'lam and Paalaiyadi targeting Mallaavi. At least 30 SLA soldiers were killed and more than 60 troopers sustained injuries in an intense fighting, according to the Tigers. An SLA troop carrier rushed to transport the casualties was seized by the Tigers.

The SLA attempted to break the LTTE defence with the support of helicopter gunships and intense artillery and Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) fire while engaging the ground forces on three fronts.

The fighting broke out at 5:30 a.m. and lasted till 7:00 p.m. when the SLA was pushed back.

The Sri Lankan soldiers have left behind arms and ammunitions, the Tigers said.

LTTE officials did not provide details on their casualties.

Mallaavi is the fourth largest town in LTTE controlled Vanni.

Print this Article

Digg this story!

Send to a Friend