Scores of combatants killed in Mannar battle

At least twenty LTTE cadres were killed when security forces advanced into LTTE-held territory in the general area of Parappakandal in Mannar yesterday , the military said. There was heavy resistance from the LTTE when the troops advanced amidst heavy artillery barrages, the Media Centre for National Security said.

Several senior LTTE numbers are believed to have been killed in the latest clashes, the Centre added. However, the LTTE in a statement countered the military’s version and claimed instead that 20 soldiers were killed in the Mannar battles and only three of its cadres died in the clashes.The LTTE admitted there was fierce fighting in the Parappankandal when government troops launched a three-pronged offensive to take over LTTE controlled area. The LTTE said it repulsed the military advance into its area.