Dec 29, Colombo: Sri Lankan troops advanced further towards remaining LTTE strongholds in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu amid stiff resistance from the LTTE and now positioned approximately 4 km from the LTTE garrison at Paranthan as the Air Force carried out several sorties today to support the ground troops, the military said.

Heavy fighting was reported in the outskirts of Paranthan, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu as troops are engaged in multi-prong attacks on the Tigers with close air combat support from the Air Force.

Air Force fighter jets have raided LTTE defence line observed in west of Paranthan this afternoon in support of troops of Task Force 1 who are marching towards Periya-Paranthan village along the B-69 main road since yesterday.

Task Force 1 troops yesterday captured a heavily fortified earth bund built by LTTE from the Jaffna lagoon to Adampan village.

Earlier, the Air Force fighter jets carried out four successive air raids targeting LTTE positions in Kilinochchi front in support of troops of 57 Division marching to rebel capital of Kilinochchi.

Defence officials said the troops of Task Force-3 meanwhile captured an LTTE-run timber mill in the Kolamurippu Forest Reserve close to Oddusudan Sunday (28) evening. Officials believe LTTE felled the trees to use for constructions and sale.

Sri Lankan Army is in a relentless drive to gain control of the remaining rebel held areas and expects to catch the elusive LTTE leader by February of next year.