Lanka polls 8212; LTTE fields proxy nominees

The Army admitted that 43 more soldiers were killed in fresh counter attacks by the rebels in addition to 71 troops who died while attempting to push well-entrenched LTTE defences at Colombuthurai, an Army statement said today.

Army quoting LTTE monitored wireless transmissions said that 230 rebels were killed and 300 injured. According to the latest update by the Army, troops consolidating the captured areas has recovered 69 bodies of rebels. Fifteen bodies have been handed over to the International Committee of Red Cross to be sent to the LTTE.

The statement said Lankan airforce jets comprising Ukraine-made Mig-27s and Israeli-made Kfirs bombers continued to pound LTTE positions.

Elaborating on its own casualties, Army said 71 troops including eight officers were killed after Army launched its offensive on Sunday from Sarasalai, Maduvil and Nunavil to support the main operation at Colombuthurai. Fortythree more soldiers were killed and 298 others injured when LTTE attacked troops returning after clearing operations.