38 LTTE cadres, 3 soldiers killed in Lanka clashes: officials By T V Sriram

Colombo, Oct 14 (PTI) At least 38 L.T.T.E. rebels and
three soldiers were killed in fierce clashes as beleaguered
Tamil tigers are reported to have brought in fresh
reinforcements to hold back advancing Sri Lankan troops from
capturing their stronghold of Kilinochchi.
Fifteen L.T.T.E. cadres, including a senior sea tiger
identified as Kadalmaran, were killed and a similar number of
tigers injured during clashes with security forces at
Akkarayankulam in Kilinochchi, the Defence Ministry said
Tuesday.
Following this troops of the 57 Division targeted
L.T.T.E. bunkers east of Akkarayankulam, it said.
Intense fighting erupted since Monday morning and
lasted till 11 pm, Wanni military sources said adding
Kadalmaran was believed to be commanding the reinforcement
elements of L.T.T.E. in the area.
According to military, a soldier lost his life and 8
others reported wounded during the hours of confrontations.
Pitched fighting between troops and L.T.T.E. also ensued
later in the day, when tiger rebels launched counter attacks
to stall the military advance, it said.
Meanwhile troops of the 57 Division operating in areas
west of Akkarayankulam Tuesday launched a surprise assault at
an L.T.T.E. bunker, killing three tiger rebels, the ministry
said.
The attack was launched at around 6.30 am, with rocket
propelled grenades (R.P.G.s) and small arms, the military said
adding that government troops suffered no casualties in the
fight.