Lankan troops encircle LTTE's last town: Army

The Sri Lankan troops on Monday stepped up their offensive in the northern region, encircling the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam's last military stronghold of Puthyukkudiryirippu town, by overrunning its security bund and killing at least nine rebels in fierce clashes, the army said on Monday.

Puthyukkudiryirippu is the last built up position of the Tigers and once they lose it, they would have no option but to disperse to wage guerrilla warfare.

By breaching the anti-tank bund, the Sri Lankan troops were just 400 metres striking distance of the LTTE held town.

Troops of the 58th Division and Task Force- 8 were leading the twin-pronged offensive into the town.]

The Lankan troops on Sunday gained control over sections of the LTTE built earthbund at Kombavil, the defence ministry said. The troops also recovered three LTTE bodies and 2 T-56 weapons after the confrontations.

According to military sources, the LTTE fighters put-on stiff resistances which were successfully neutralised by the advancing 58 Division infantrymen.

The LTTE have built an earth bund running north to south fortifying the Iranapali area, which is considered a key LTTE foothold.

The LTTE cadres also suffered damages during confrontations with Task Force IV and Task Force V troops on Sunday in West Pudukudirippu and Pandyankulam in Mullaittivu, the defence ministry added.