Mar 21 (CP) Colombo- More than 30 LTTE cadres are believed to be dead and four soldiers were killed, when a fierce battle erupted between Sri Lankan security forces and the Tigers in the early hours of today in Batticaloa district, the military said.

Military official said that LTTE terrorists continued to fire artillery and mortars at the Kumburumalai, Siththandi, Black Bridge, Mavedivembu and Chenkaladi Army camps in Batticaloa, while at the same time attempting to infiltrate the camps in small groups. Security forces retaliated with mortar and small arms fire, which killed more than 30 LTTE cadres and injured many others. During the LTTE mortar attack four soldiers were killed and 14 were injured. .

In the search operation following the attack, six T-56 assault rifles, a LMG, a RPG, a Bangalore Torpedo and a large stock of ammunition were recovered by the troops.

“Eight LTTE bodies were recovered in the search operation and according to LTTE communication intercepts over 30 cadres were seriously injured and were being taken to Thoppigala area,” the official said. Following the attack Sri Lanka Air Force struck identified LTTE targets in south of Vavunathivu area where the security forces believe the Tigers moved in after their failed attack.

Military spokesperson Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said that the Tigers had used heavy mortars and multi barrel rockets during the attack. The indiscriminate shelling has injured many civilians and severely damaged their houses.