Colombo:
Hunting for elusive top LTTE leadership after overrunning almost all the rebel bases, Sri Lankan troops have killed at least 73 Tamil Tigers in fierce clashes near the 'no-fire zone' in Mullaittivu in the embattled north.
The Tigers' body count appears to be increasing every day and in the last five days over 550 have been killed, the military said today.
With the remnants of the Tigers scattered after most of their bases having fallen, the Lankan troops are now engaged in man-hunting combat looking to finish off or capture the Tiger leaderships including its Supremo V Prabhakaran.
The fresh confrontation took place between the troops and the LTTE rebels in Puthumattalan area in Mullaittivu around last evening, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.
During a subsequent search operation conducted in the area, troops recovered 72 LTTE bodies along with huge haul of explosives and ammunitions, the MCNS said. Recounting the strategy used for the capture of rebels' last bastion Pudukudiyiruppu, an army spokesman said the thrust was on avoiding collateral damage especially for civilians, and so stealth and surprised formed the key element.
"The triumphant military onslaught that led to capture the whole of Pudukudiyirippu LTTE stronghold sans the remaining 'no fire zone' strip, to which the LTTE has now crept in with heavy weapons was meticulously planned," said the spokesman.
The plan was executed under the direct direction of Army chief Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka.
Troops are now near coconut and jungle-infested area in Mullaittaivu district touching almost the beach, he said.
The Tigers are now confined to a narrow strip of land that has earlier been declared no fire zone by the government and as a place where trapped civilians can take shelter during fighting.
The spokesman said concerned over safety of trapped civilians, the army had asked the political, religious and community leaders to take the people into the 'no fire zone' in Puthumattalan.
Troops finally encircled the Puthumattalan 'no-fire zone' after reaching from the north, west and southern directions, the army said.
The army chief Fonseka has said he expect an exodus of trapped civilians at "any moment".
He was quoted on the military website that a large number of a middle ranking Tiger leaders had been killed and the organisation was "virtually paralysed" and unable to withstand army onslaught.
The Tigers' body count appears to be increasing every day and in the last five days over 550 have been killed, the military said today.
With the remnants of the Tigers scattered after most of their bases having fallen, the Lankan troops are now engaged in man-hunting combat looking to finish off or capture the Tiger leaderships including its Supremo V Prabhakaran.
The fresh confrontation took place between the troops and the LTTE rebels in Puthumattalan area in Mullaittivu around last evening, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.
During a subsequent search operation conducted in the area, troops recovered 72 LTTE bodies along with huge haul of explosives and ammunitions, the MCNS said. Recounting the strategy used for the capture of rebels' last bastion Pudukudiyiruppu, an army spokesman said the thrust was on avoiding collateral damage especially for civilians, and so stealth and surprised formed the key element.
"The triumphant military onslaught that led to capture the whole of Pudukudiyirippu LTTE stronghold sans the remaining 'no fire zone' strip, to which the LTTE has now crept in with heavy weapons was meticulously planned," said the spokesman.
The plan was executed under the direct direction of Army chief Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka.
Troops are now near coconut and jungle-infested area in Mullaittaivu district touching almost the beach, he said.
The Tigers are now confined to a narrow strip of land that has earlier been declared no fire zone by the government and as a place where trapped civilians can take shelter during fighting.
The spokesman said concerned over safety of trapped civilians, the army had asked the political, religious and community leaders to take the people into the 'no fire zone' in Puthumattalan.
Troops finally encircled the Puthumattalan 'no-fire zone' after reaching from the north, west and southern directions, the army said.
The army chief Fonseka has said he expect an exodus of trapped civilians at "any moment".
He was quoted on the military website that a large number of a middle ranking Tiger leaders had been killed and the organisation was "virtually paralysed" and unable to withstand army onslaught.
