Amid poor weather and heavy terrorist resistance, Army Task Force 1 troops have stepped into the great marshlands of Pooneryn, the final obstacle they have to clear before achieving their mission, defence sources said.

 

 

According to sources, heavy fighting has been reported since last evening (9) in the Chempankundu area, as infantrymen started crossing the extremely hostile terrain that runs about 18 km to Nivil. The marshlands, that are about 2 km wide in some areas stand as an excellent defence for the terrorists, sources said. However, troops are determined not to slow down their advance, the sources added.

Troops of the 583 brigade, attacked an LTTE strong point in Chempankundu around 6.10 pm and reported heavy damages to the terrorists. Few soldiers laid own their lives and several others sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, troops of the 582 brigade confronted a group of terrorists in the Mulaikoduttavil area around 7.40 am, inflicting heavy damage to the terrorists.

Snipers deployed in the forward areas reported shooting down two terrorists in the Navalladi and Pallai areas during the day.

Task Force 1 launched operations early this year to dominate the northwestern coast of the island. So far, troops have marched about 75 km along the Mannar- Pooneryn road (A-32) and established their forward boundaries 7km south of the key terrorist outpost.

Defence observers are of the view that troops would be able to wrest full control over the A-32 road once they cross the marshland. The accomplishment of this would open a land route to Jaffna peninsula after 20 years, they add.