COLOMBO(PTI): At least 68 Tamil Tiger (LTTE) rebels were killed in a major land and air offensive by Sri Lankan troops north of the strategic elephant pass in northern Sri Lanka on Sept.29, Sri Lankan military said.
Sixteen soldiers were killed in the fierce gunbattle in which the army used tanks, artillery and attack aircraft, 28 soldiers were also wounded.
A defence ministry communique issued late Wednesday night said security forces continued their advance in the LTTE held areas in the northern province for the second day on Wednesday. Troops encountered heavy resistance and in the fierce battle 68 militants were killed.
“It is believed that the LTTE sustained a large number of casualties,” the communique said.
The military has imposed indefinite curfew in the Faffna Peninsula a measure it usually takes Prior to military operations in the region. The operation was still in progress, an army spokesman said:
Military sources said the army simultaneously was clearing areas in the eastern province too.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 8, 1993
