Amid increased international pressure for a new cease-fire to allow trapped civilians move to safe areas, Sri Lankan soldiers prepared to inflict a "decisive blow" to the guerrillas in stepped up attacks in the rebels' last bastion of Pudukudiyirippu, officials said on Friday.
At least five LTTE fighters were killed in intense fighting in Pudukudiyirippu areas that are being heavily mined by the withdrawing Tamil Tigers, the army said.
"According to the latest report received from the battlefront, LTTE fighters are withdrawing deeper into the 'No Fire Zone' while mining the area to cause damages to the advancing troops," the Defence ministry said.
Troops stepped-up offensive on Thursday towards Wellamullivaikkal from east of Puthukuddiirippu amid heavy fire by the LTTE rebels from the 'No Fire Zone', the latest military report received from the battlefront said.
"The LTTE is making desperate attempts to save their lives, keeping thousands of civilians in No Fire Zone and building earth bunds to halt the advance of the security forces," the ministry said.
Amid international community's calls for a ceasefire in Sri Lanka's north, top UN official and veteran Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar on Friday met President Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss the plight of civilians trapped in the fighting.
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