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'Troops prepare for knockout blow to LTTE, 38 rebels killed'
(PTI) Lankan forces have stepped-up attacks on the LTTE to deal a knockout blow to the guerrillas as the government opened more safe passages to facilitate speedy evacuation of Tamil civilians trapped in the fierce clashes that killed at least 38 rebels and three civilians, the army said today.At least 38 LTTE cadres and three civilians were killed as the advancing troops moved forward to capture the remaining rebels' pockets in the embattled north, engaged in fierce clashes with the Tamil Tiger militants, the military said. The army has won a string of major victories over the guerrillas in recent weeks as the military prepared to inflict a "decisive blow" to the guerrillas. LTTE rebels sustained severe damages in confrontations in Mullaittivu district's Pudukudirippu area yesterday, said the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS), which is linked to the Lankan army. The troops are looking for more LTTE infiltrators who have made a desperate attempt to breach the security forces defences during the early hours today, it said. Meanwhile, the government has decided to open two more safe passages in the island's north to facilitate speedy evacuation of Tamil civilians trapped in the war zone. The LTTE has been confined to an area of about 50 square kms in the north as security forces say they are on the verge of capturing the last rebel bastion soon. The government estimates that 70,000 people are still stuck in Wanni, claiming that they are being held as human shields by LTTE. Posted by: Fred 2009-03-07 |
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