The Ceylon News

Sri Lankan forces on Friday drove deeper into the remaining areas held by the beleaguered LTTE in the island's north and killed at least 19 Tamil Tigers, including its senior commander, even as the rebels put up a stiff resistance.

Intense fighting was reported in Ampalavanpokkanai and Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaittivu, as troops of 58 Division further gained control over more LTTE-held areas in the Wanni region, the defence ministry said.

Infantrymen of 10 Sri Lanka Light Infantry inflicted heavy damages to the Tamil Tigers in general area Ampalavanpokkani, it said. The LTTE is now confined to a small area in the Wanni jungles.

Intercepted LTTE communication channels confirmed that rebels suffered heavy losses, the ministry said.

In subsequent search operations conducted in the area, troops found two bodies of LTTE cadres, it said, adding that a huge cache of arms were also recovered from the area.

LTTE cadres, who put up stiff resistance on advancing troops for defending their last stronghold, suffered damages, it said.

An LTTE ground commander, known as Shankar, who led the battle against security forces in Puthukudiyiruppu area, was killed during the fighting, ground troops said.