Fierce clashes in Sri Lanka's north: Military

Colombo, Nov 8 (UNI) The Sri Lankan army today claimed that its troops manning the forward defence lines (FDLs) in the northern battle areas have engaged in fierce fighting the LTTE guerillas yesterday, causing heavy damages to the rebels.

''Troops deployed in the general areas of Kilaly, Nagarkovil and Muhamalai had a series of confrontations with the LTTE terrorists yesterday. During those confrontations, troops were able to destroy at least three LTTE bunkers in Kilaly and the earth bund built by the LTTE in Muhamalai,'' the military said.

It said one LTTE cadre was killed and five others injured while two soldiers were killed and one sustained injuries during these confrontations.

In the Kilinochchi front, it said troops engaged in advancing operations have mounted attacks on rebel positions in the west of Kilinochchi and claimed to have caused damages to the LTTE terrorists yesterday.

The military also said the troops operating on the Welioya region, confronted the LTTE deep into their areas. It said four rebels and a soldier were killed and 16 others wounded on both sides in the clash.

Wowing to capture the rebel-stronghold of Kilinochchi, Sri Lankan troops backed by artillery and aerial bombardment have advanced deep into the rebel-held areas on many fronts amid fierce LTTE resistance.

The LTTE has not commented anything on the fresh military claims.

UNI XC SKB SK KP1730