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Government troops in a fierce battle with terrorists yesterday captured 34 square kilometres from the LTTE including the strategic Kaithadi Bridge on the main A9 highway, seven kilometres from the city of Jaffna. The military sources revealed that the bodies of 51 terrorists killed in the battle were recovered while the Security Forces had lost one officer and twenty four soldiers. The military spokesman, Brigadier Sarath Karunaratne said that the Security Forces had launched Operation Kinihira –7 at dawn yesterday when they broke out of their lines and advanced into areas held by the LTTE. Troops supported by artillery and engineers with armour providing enfilading fire invaded the Kaithadi salient defended strongly by the LTTE in a series of well co-ordinated manoeuvres across the lagoon, taking the LTTE completely by surprise. The Kaithadi Bridge, which was completely destroyed by terrorists earlier, was captured in a simultanious manoeuvre. Troops also captured Chiviyatheru East in Arialai and moved up to the Navatkuli Bridge capturing a 30mm automatic grenade launcher in the process. A further 3 ½ km of the A 9 highway (MSR) was also captured The operation brought approximately 34 square kilometres of area in Kathadi and Navatkuli bridges, the Gam Udawa Complex in Arialai and the A9 highways were destroyed under heavy mortar fire killing terrorists who resisted. Isolated pockets of terrorists, fighting for their lives were annihilated and their weapons recovered. An armoured Vehicle Bridge was launched to span a bridge destroyed by terrorists in Kaithadi thus linking Kopay North with Kaithadi. Terrorists unable to face the onslaught fled leaving their dead behind. Artillery and air strikes on LTTE mortar positions exacted a heavy toll. With this operation the troops have almost opened the entire A-9 highway (MSR) between Chavakachcheri and Jaffna town with only two more kilometres to be opened. During the latter stages of the operation, troops assaulted a strong enemy hideout west of Kaithadi Bridge killing 10-15 terrorists. LTTE is now in a militarily weak position thus they are compelled to declare a cease-fire as it is the only and the best option available, the sources revealed.
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