Jan 06, Colombo: Sri Lankan government troops captured a key LTTE defence line in the Jaffna peninsula today as heavy fighting engulfed the area, killing scores of rebels, the military said.

Defence Ministry reports said the rebels were in total disarray following concentrated armour and infantry assaults backed by heavy artillery attacks.

The combined 53 and 55 Division troops moving south overran the highly fortified LTTE's second line of defence at Muhamalai and captured about 500 meters of ground territory this morning.

Troops have seized control over the entire LTTE defence line, north of A-9, while fighting still continues in the remaining LTTE positions, south of the A-9 main road, the military reported.

According to military sources, scores of Tiger rebels were killed and many others were wounded. The rebels have withdrawn further southeast, the military reported.

Meanwhile the troops of task Force 1 and 57 Division are moving north to capture strategic Elephant Pass and to link up with the forces in Jaffna.