57 Div liberates Iranamdu junction: LTTE flee with heavy casualties

Troops of the 57 Division have liberated the Iranamadu junction this morning (Jan 01) after weeks of fierce battles ensued with LTTE at the Kilinochchi battlefront, Wanni military sources said.

LTTE terrorists put-on stiff resistance at the advancing military formations from this vital ground, which is also considered a strategically important terror stronghold along the A-9 trunk road, 6km South of Kilinochchi. Troops of the 574 Brigade ran into the remaining LTTE positions, backed by concentrated armour, artillery and mortar fire from the rear support flanks. SLAF jets and helicopter gunships provided close air support to the advancing infantry battalions during a string of flight missions conducted, since initial fighting that broke out between troops and LTTE in the area.

The fall of Iranamadu scores consecutive battle defeats to LTTE at the Kilinochchi battlefront, followed by the loss of Paranthan early on Thursday(01) morning. According to latest battlefield reports received, troops are now making further advances eastward of the Iranamadu junction while consolidating positions in the area, security sources said.

LTTE's defeat at its main garrison township at Kilinochchi is inevitable with troops advancing on three fronts continue to cripple the last LTTE fortifications in the area, security sources said.