Lankan troops, air force halt LTTE advance into Jaffna town

The Israel-made KFIR fighter bombers and helicopter gun-ships engaged the rebel troops at Ariyalao and Thanankilappu, near Jaffna town, from where the LTTE had launched its latest attacks on May 10, it said.

Pooneryn, a small town located on the western banks of Jaffna lagoon facing the Jaffna peninsula, was also bombed by fighter bombers to prevent rebels from moving in their reinforcements and weapons.

The release said "monitored LTTE transmissions reveal that terrorists have suffered heavy casualties and their leaders have been requesting for reinforcements."

It said the LTTE continued to direct heavy artillery and mortar fire on Jaffna town and Lankan troops are taking all possible measures to protect the inhabitants of the town from rebel attacks.

The government said military authorities in Jaffna have already taken up with the International Committee of Red Cross the issue of long-rebel attacks by LTTE, disregarding thick concentration of civilian population.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka moved additional reinforcements into Jaffna peninsula to counter the growing threats from LTTE, The Sunday Times newspaper said.

The Government press release said "monitored LTTE transmissions revealed that terrorists have suffered heavy casualties and their leaders have been requesting for reinforcements.

"Instructions have also gone from the LTTE leadership to political leaders in the east to conscript more children to boost up their depleted strength.

"In spite of continuing protests from the parents, 140 school children have been conscripted so far and presently undergoing military training," it said.

Independent reports from eastern Batticaloa and Trincomalee said that the LTTE’s recruitment squads, armed with videos of the capture of Elephant Pass and other war footage, launched a massive drive to recruit rural school going children and youth. Reports speak of heavy response to LTTE’s recruitment drive.

Meanwhile, President Chandrika Kumaratunga held a series of crisis management meetings with National Security Council which comprised of top defence officials including the chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force.