Crucial 48 hours ahead in the no-fire zone

Army Commander Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that one civilian was killed and 17 were injured as the LTTE opened fire at the civilians escaping into the Army-controlled area from the no-fire zone.
According to him, 86 civilians escaped from the no-fire zone and surrendered to the Army today. The no fire zone is now restricted to two and half square kilometers, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara.

The 58 division defeated the LTTE’s attempt to recapture their last earth bund in Karaimullivaikkal. A defense spokesman said that the 48 hours ahead is crucial and a major breakthrough is expected. He pointed out that the LTTE would have either to surrender or to commit suicide when the security forces that have surrounded them from all directions would close in on them.

Defense sources say that the bodies of 35 LTTE cadres that were killed in the battle to recapture the earth bund were recovered.

Meanwhile, the Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that the Karaimullivaikkal earth bund cannot be considered the last LTTE barrier. Since LTTE is in an area of six square kilometers although the no-fire zone is restricted to 2.5 square kilometers, their can be more security earth bunds, he said.