Compiled military reports received from the battlefronts in the North indicate terrorists numbering 52 were killed and at least 42 injured during yesterday's (Mar 22) military offensives aimed at liberating the Wanni region.

On the Vavuniya front, troops had three separate clashes in Ramanathankulam Nelukulam and Kallikulam areas during the day and claimed that 12 terrorist were killed. Also snipers deployed in the Southeast of Madhu, and Sulanamaruthamadu areas claimed that 2 terrorists were killed. No casualties for the own troops reported in these incidents. Troops achieved a tremendous success over terrorists on the Mannar front yesterday destroying over 8 bunkers and trench defences in Parayakulam area.

Troops in this attack said that 22 terrorists were killed and over 26 suffered injuries. During the subsequent search troops found 11 bodies of slain LTTE cadres, including five T-56 Rifles. Own casualties were reported as 4 soldiers killed in action (KIA) and 16 wounded in action (WIA) . Separately snipers deployed in Veppankulama area on the same front claimed that 3 terrorists were killed. Finally, on the Welioya front, troops marching towards terror strongholds in Mulaithiuvu district, clashed with terrorists in two separate incidents in the Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa areas yesterday and claimed 5 terrorists were killed and at least 10 others were injured. Also, during these clashes 3 soldiers were killed and 9 others suffered injuries. A sniper deployed in Kokkutuduvai area reported killing of 1 terrorist. Limited operations aimed at Wanni liberation is continuing.

(Courtesy : Ministry of Defence)