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90 killed as Lankan army
recovers territory: PTI

At least 90 people were killed on the first day of a fresh offensive in the northern Jaffna peninsula in which the Sri Lankan Army secured seven square kilometres of territory, army sources said on Wednesday.

Sources said 52 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebels were believed to have been killed in the operation, while the army lost 37 personnel, including an officer.

A civilian, identified as a 27-year-old priest of a Hindu temple at Mirusuvil, died at Kodigamam, allegedly in LTTE artillery fire, sources said.

Thirty-five bodies of LTTE cadre have been recovered.

Rebel radio transmission intercepts reported that 72 LTTE Tigers were wounded in addition to 52 killed.

Backed by artillery fire and air support from the air force, the security forces on ground stretched their area of control by seven sq km, including Ponnar and Avarakadu, southeast of Kilali and Eluthumadduval, described as important areas for operations, the sources said.

Codenamed 'Operation Kinihira IX', the latest offensive was aimed at regaining territory south of Kilaly and Eluthumadduval on the main supply route from Jaffna to the strategic Elephant Pass.

According to army sources, the LTTE fought back ferociously, using almost all artillery and mortar positions. The air force neutralised their firepower to a great extent, while the navy stepped up patrolling to prevent any attempt by rebels to use the sea lane, they said.

The army interprets the manner of deployment of the LTTE's weapon systems as an indication that they were preparing for a major operation.

The offensive comes in the midst of a month-long ceasefire announced by the Tigers last month.

The ceasefire expires on January 24.

After replenishment of troops, the operation resumed Wednesday morning, the sources said.

Two LTTE rebels were captured and admitted to Palaly military hospital for treatment of injuries, they added.

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