Nov 30, Colombo: Sri Lankan ground troops supported by air assaults on LTTE targets continued their advances ahead of the northern fronts amid heavy resistance from the Tigers, the military said.

Sri Lanka Air Force Mi-24 helicopter gunships launched precision air assaults at identified LTTE resistance positions at Murukandy, east of Akkarayankulama in Kilinochchi this morning in support of the advancing 57 Division infantry battalions, Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

Meanwhile Troops of 59 Division moving along the eastern axis towards Alampil in Mullaitivu faced heavy confrontations with the LTTE Tigers since this morning and inflicted heavy damages to the rebels, the military said.

Troops during the search operations found three bodies of LTTE cadres along with three T-56 rifles this evening, the sources said.

Troops of 59 Division are currently in the process of eliminating LTTE hiding places along the northern bank of the Nayaru lagoon and dominating the Kumalamunai- Alampil road, the military reported. Also, another group of 59 Division troops have already established their positions on the southern bank of the lagoon.

Defence authorities say LTTE uses Alampil, a strategically vital coastal village located about 10 km, south of Mullaitivu to launch seaborne operations off the northeastern coast.

The Sri Lankan government is determined to crush the terrorist outfit and bring the North under the government’s control. The Tigers have lost several of their key strongholds in the North and the government troops are closing in on their mini state of Kilinochchi.