Dec 04, Colombo: Sri Lankan troops advancing into the LTTE rebel territory in the North gained control of two strategically significant towns, the military said.

Troops of Task Force 2 gained control over the Puliyankulam area situated along the main Jaffna-Kandy A-9 highway in an offensive this afternoon. They have gained control over 8.5 km stretch of the main road northwards from Omanthai entry / exit point.

Troops are now consolidating their positions along the stretch of A-9 between Omanthai and Puliyankulam, Defence Ministry said.

Meanwhile, the ground troops of 59 Division on an offensive directed at the remaining LTTE fortification in Mullaitivu District entered into the Sea Tiger bastion, Alampil this morning, the military said.

According to the military following the capture of Kumulamunai to the west of Alampil, a battle formation of 591 Brigade advanced along the northern bank of Nayaru lagoon and dominated Kumulamunai - Alampil road while another group advanced northwards of Kumulamunai and cut-off the Mullaitivu - Alampil main road north of Alampil and moved southwards isolating the town. The rebels have used the Alampil, located about 10 km south of Mullaitivu as a base to launch Sea Tiger operations.

With the capture of Alampil, the troops are now poised take on the LTTE citadel of Mullaitivu.