Fighting escalates in Weli Oya Sector

Fierce fighting erupted at Weli Oya following operations to capture the tranchline and bund from Tannimurippukulam to Nayaru lagoon. 9 soldiers sacrificed their lives in the confrontations. 53 others were injured, mainly due to booby traps. Casualties to the LTTE is unknown.

Meanwhile LTTE's mouthpieces have claimed it killed 62 SLA in one day's fighting at Akkarayan and Vannerikulam recently. This is completely false. As it stands, LTTE units are incapable of launching a massive attack simultaneously in two areas. Troops are also extra cautious now, since they are at the outskirts of Kilinochchi, which is meters away from them. Small teams of Special Forces have started to infiltrate Kilinochchi town from at least three directions.

Meanwhile the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol unit of 2 Commando Regiment, operating north of Nachchikuda, inside LTTE controlled area, eliminated another obstacle in the 58 Division's path when they ambushed a double-cab three days ago killing Chelian, the Deputy Leader of the LTTE's Sea Tiger unit.

Chelian was in charge of all Sea Tiger activities in the northwestern coast at the time and was also instructing the LTTE's defences against the 58 Division from Nachchikuda to Pooneryn. 2 Commando is operating under the guidance of 58 Division CO Brigadier Shavendra Silva who is the Colonel Commandant of the Commandos.

In another incident, a team from 3 Commando Regiment ambushed an LTTE bus carrying reinforcements in Nedunkerni north area killing 5 LTTE cadres. These teams are operating ahead of the current FDL in areas of strategic significance.