* Troops enter last rebel stronghold in Sri Lanka, capture satellite communication center
Saturday, February 28, 2009, 6:59 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Feb 28, Colombo; Sri Lankan troops have entered the perimeter of Puthukkudyiruppu, the last remaining LTTE stronghold on Friday amid heavy resistance from the rebels, the military said today.

Following heavy fighting troops of Army's 58 Division entered town's perimeter and captured a LTTE high-tech satellite communication center in west of Puthukkudyiruppu.

Military sources said troops found an array of high tech equipment including computers, computer accessories, switches, telephones believed have been used for international communication through satellite.

Defense sources said hours-long fighting between the troops and the Tigers in north of Kombavil area inflicted heavy casualties on the rebels. Troops have recovered 5 bodies of LTTE Tigers along with their T-56 weapons. The Defence Ministry did not say whether troops had suffered any casualties.

Troops are fighting a cautious battle without firing heavy arms to minimize the civilian casualties and facing the risk of their own loss of life.

An estimated 70,000 – 200,000 civilians are now in trapped with the Tiger rebels in an area of 58 square kilometers with no humanitarian access or food.

Despite pleas from numerous international organizations, governments and Sri Lankan authorities, the LTTE is holding the civilians as human shields according to the UN.