Jan 03, Colombo: Sri Lanka military says the troops are now moving towards the strategic Tiger stronghold of Elephant Pass, located at the entrance to the Jaffna peninsula.

Defence Ministry said the troops of Army Task Force 1 are marching into the strategically vital Elephant Pass town and the capture of the town is imminent.

According to the Army Commander, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka Elephant Pass is just 2 km beyond the Task Force 1 forward boundary.

The Sri Lankan Army lost control of Elephant Pass to the LTTE in April 2000 after a major battle.

Meanwhile the troops of 59 Division moving towards Mullaitivu have captured about 800 yards of the LTTE built earth bund yesterday and are now positioned just 5 km south of Mullaitivu and 3 km south of LTTE's main airstrip, the Ministry reported.

The Army is on a relentless drive to liberate the entire rebel-controlled area in the North.

Following the capture of LTTE’s de facto political capital Kilinochchi yesterday, Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa issued a final warning to the rebels to lay down arms and surrender.