DATE=11/6/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKAN FIGHTING / L-O
NUMBER=2-255887
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels are pushing to
wrest control of key strategic towns from the
military. Vandana Chopra has the details from Colombo.
TEXT: The Tamil Tigers say their commando units have
overrun Mankulam, killing and wounding hundreds of
soldiers.
In a statement issued from their headquarters in
London, Tiger separatists say they penetrated the
defense lines, using heavy mortar fire and that Sri
Lankan military personnel fled in total dissaray.
The statement says -- after capturing Mankulam and
Olumadu -- Tiger rebels were sweeping southwards along
the highway, pounding heavy artillery and mortar fire
on Sri Lankan positions at Kanagarayankulam and
Puliyankulam.
The defense ministry statement says fighting was
continuing in the Northern Wanni region, but made no
mention of the key towns lost to the rebels.
Military officials say fresh reinforcements were being
sent south of Nedunkerni and Oddusuddan to hold back
advances from Tiger rebels.
Tiger separatists had earlier attacked two important
strategic towns -- Oddusuddan and Nedunkerni -- under
an operation code-named "Unceasing Wave Three" and
took control of the areas, Wednesday. Defense
analysts say last few days of fighting has seen the
military face its worst defeat in many years.
Tiger rebels claim they have taken control of military
complexes at Ampkamam, Oddusuddan, Nedunkerni,
Mankulam and Kanagarayankulam in the country's north.
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.
Political analysts say further military setbacks could
hurt President Chandrika Kumaratunga's hopes for re-
election.
Tiger guerrillas are fighting for a separate homeland
for the minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka's north
and east since 1983. (signed).
NEB / VC / WD
06-Nov-1999 05:02 AM EDT (06-Nov-1999 1002 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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