July 05, Colombo: Sri Lankan troops operating under the Army's 59 division yesterday (04) captured a Tamil Tiger base known as Michael Base, Sri Lankan defense authorities said.

According to the sources, the camp is one of the strategic satellite bases of the LTTE’s main “One Four Base” Complex situated inside the Mullaitivu jungle.

Troops marching northwards in the Mullaitivu jungle from the area north of Janakapura captured the base after 3 days of fierce fighting. Soldiers entered into the camp after beating off the Tigers last morning and declared the area secured by afternoon.

The structure of the base extending over 200 square meters includes several underground defenses. Troops believe at least 17 Tamil Tigers have been killed in this operation.

Earlier, soldiers of the 59 division captured the Munagam Base, the strategic transit base between Tigers’ main bastions in Mullaitivu and the southern parts of the country. The Michael Base is located about 7 km from Janakapura inside the jungle and about 3 km northwards from the Munagam Base.

Troops are consolidating the new positions at present, the sources added.