Lanka Army 'seizes key area'

From ANI

Colombo, Jan.1: The Sri Lankan military on Thursday said that it has seized a strategically important junction in the north from Tamil Tiger rebels.

The BBC quoted the military as saying that at least 50 Tamil fighters were killed in the battle for Paranthan, a crossroads north of the Tigers' headquarters in Kilinochchi.

The military said its success at Paranthan had effectively cut the main supply line to several Tiger strongholds in the north of Sri Lanka.

The rebels said this week they were successfully defending Kilinochchi.

Troops fighting their way towards the town have faced determined resistance for months, but the army says the it is now on the verge of falling.

The fighting for Paranthan was bitter and lasted for hours, according to a statement by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence.

Kilinochchi remains a hugely symbolic target because it is where the Tigers have established their administrative headquarters.


Copyright Asian News International/DailyIndia.com