May 17, Colombo: Sri Lankan troops advancing from the Vavuniya front into the LTTE rebel held territory reached the Palampiddi junction, 9 km north of Madhu in Mannar this afternoon.

Military sources said troops inched forward for six days facing severe resistance from the LTTE to reach Palampiddi. Heavy fighting took place recently in the area. However, troops reached the Palampiddi junction without much resistance as the Tiger cadres holding the area have fled.

The Palampiddi junction is strategically important as it connects Vidattaltivu in northwest, Madhu in south, Mullikulam in southeast and Nedunkandal in northeast. Fall of the LTTE stronghold cripples administrative work and supplies to their cadres.

Troops conducting search and clear operations found 13 bodies of slain Tigers along with T-56 weapons, Multi Purpose Machine Guns (MPMG) and T-81 weapons. Troops now consolidating the area have recovered hundreds of anti-personnel mines and booby traps.