Army faces stiff resistance in LTTE pockets; 21 rebels killed

Colombo: At least 21 Tigers were killed in fierce clashes in Sri Lanka's north as government troops advanced to capture the last areas held by the LTTE and destroyed a rebel battlefield fortification in the face of stiff resistance from them.
The LTTE fighters sustained heavy damage in bitter clashes against the troops in Amapalavanpokkanai area in Mullaittivu, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said today.
In search operations conducted in the Pudukudirippu area yesterday, troops recovered four decomposed bodies of LTTE cadres along with war material, it said.
The troops, now advancing beyond the eastern limits of Pudukudirippu, also had day-long clashes with the LTTE.
"The soldiers withstood stiff resistance from the LTTE desperately trying to hold their positions on tactically vital northern bank of the Nanthikadal lagoon and inflicted heavy damage to the enemy," the defence ministry said.
Infantrymen attacked and destroyed a battlefield fortification of the LTTE yesterday. Two bodies of slain LTTE cadres, along with three T-56 rifles and 50 pistol ammunition were recovered from the battlefield.
Later, troops confronted with a group of LTTE cadres moved further close to the Nanthikadal lagoon.