Oct 29, Colombo: Sri Lankan army has launched a multi-prong offensive on Nachchikudha, the Tiger rebel stronghold in Northwestern Sri Lanka yesterday, the military said today.

Troops of the Task Force One launched yesterday morning mounted intense artillery fire with infantry support amid heavy resistance from the rebels and captured vital terrorist positions in the area, the military said adding that the Tigers suffered heavy casualties.

Defense sources say the troops are poised to capture Nachchikudha soon. Capturing Nachchikudha will be a major blow to the rebels as the Western coast is a main life line for the LTTE.

The offensive is aimed at opening a humanitarian land supply route while also denying supply lines for LTTE, defense officials say.