Dec 23, Colombo: Sri Lankan troops fired heavy mortar and artillery barrages at an LTTE offensive advancing towards the Army defences in Nagarkovil in Jaffna this morning killing eight rebels and destroying four bunkers, the military said. No troops were injured in the attack.

Meanwhile in the Wanni front troops advancing into the rebel controlled territory captured an LTTE base known as ‘Vietnam Base’ in Periyapunichankulama, the military claimed.

Defense Ministry said the Tigers fled abandoning the base stretching approximately 400m and 300m in breadth. The base accommodated 18 to 20 overhead bunkers, eight to ten cadjan roofed huts and a kitchen. Troops also located a 150m long tunnel (2 m width and 2 m height) forming a clandestine exit route from the camp.

Independent verification of casualty figures in the battlefield is not possible as access to the areas is restricted.