DATE=11/5/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKAN FIGHTING / L-O
NUMBER=2-255840
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Fresh reinforcements are being moved to Sri
Lanka's battlefront in the northern part of the
country, as Tamil Tiger rebels and government soldiers
continue to battle it out. Vandana Chopra has the
details from Colombo.
TEXT: Military officials say soldiers are digging in
to hold back new advances from Tamil Tiger rebels.
Tiger separatists took control of two strategic towns
-- Oddusuddan and Nedunkerni -- Wednesday, in an
operation code-named "Unceasing Wave Three." Army
officials say the Sri Lankan military is attempting to
re-group after its worst defeat this year.
In a statement issued from the rebel headquarters in
London, Tiger separatists say they overran the Sri
Lankan government front lines and also took control of
vast sections of Ampakamam -- 15 kilomteres northwest
of the key town, Oddusuddan.
Security officials say troops defending the area are
inflicting heavy casualties as rebels try to advancer.
The last few days of fighting has seen the military
lose large stretches of territory, including key
strategic areas in the northern jungle region, Wanni.
Hundreds of government troops have been killed or
wounded in the fighting.
Political analysts say a military setback could hurt
President Chandrika Kumaratunga's hopes for a re-
election.
Tiger guerrillas have been fighting for a separate
homeland for the minority Tamil community in Sri
Lanka's north and east since 1983. (signed).
NEB / VC / WD
05-Nov-1999 06:55 AM EDT (05-Nov-1999 1155 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
