May 09, Colombo: Advancing Sri Lankan troops backed by the Air Force took control of the town of Adampan in Mannar this morning after fierce battles that killed at least 33 LTTE rebels, the military said.

Defense sources said intense fighting erupted between troops and LTTE since this morning in general area of Alankulama, north of Giants Tank in Mannar region. Army infantry and armour units backed by Air Force advanced into the LTTE territory during a multi-pronged offensive launched at around 6 a.m.

Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said 5 soldiers were reported missing while 3 soldiers were killed and 5 others were wounded.

In support of the ground troops Air Force fighter jets carried out two separate air sorties targeting LTTE strongholds in Mannar ahead of the front lines.

The capture of Admpan is an important step for the military as they are continuing their advance in to the Tiger stronghold. In separate clashes on Thursday across the northern Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya regions 25 rebels were, the military said.

Independent verification of casualty figures is not possible as the media is barred from the conflict areas. Both sides are known to inflate each others’ casualty figures.