73 LTTE rebels killed in fresh fighting in Sri Lanka
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, April 7, IRNA -- 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, PTI reported quoting Sri Lankan military.
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 Center for National Security (MCNS) said.
During 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 specially for civilians, and so stealth and surprise formed the key elements.
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