Oct 07, Colombo: Sri Lanka Air Force MI-24 helicopter gunships attacked several LTTE targets around Kilinochchi today in support of the ground forces inching towards the rebel town while heavy clashes in the embattled North left 23 Tigers and a soldier dead, the military said.

Air strikes targeted an identified LTTE mortar launching pad located 500 m northeast of the Vannerikkulama Tank bund in Kilinochchi this morning in support of the advancing troops of 58 Division.

Another set of air strikes targeted LTTE resistance points 6 km northeast of Akkarayankulma, in the afternoon to support the troops of the 57 Division, Air Force Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

Ground forces meanwhile attacked the LTTE bunkers in Kilinochchi killing 16 Tigers and capturing 6 bunkers. A soldier also died in the operations and another six were injured.

Troops confronted Tiger rebels several times in Mullaitivu yesterday killing two and injuring another 10 rebels while heavy clashes were reported from Vavuniya where four Tigers were killed another four were wounded. Troops also managed to capture eight bunkers. In Jaffna a Tiger rebel was killed in the Kilali area, according to the military reports.

Independent verification of casualty figures is not possible as media or aid workers are not allowed in the conflict areas.