Heavy fighting. 100 SLA and 150 LTTE KIA.
The most decisive battle for Paranthan and Kilinochchi has now commenced. Around 5.30am today, the 57 and 58 Divisions launched a simultaneous attack on the 'L' shaped LTTE bund surrounding Paranthan and Pooneryn.
These were some of the fiercest fights in recent times. While the attack on Paranthan and Kilinochchi continued, the 53 Division made an abortive bid to advance in Kilali but lost around 30 men with 10 bodies falling into the hands of the LTTE.
Close to 100 soldiers were killed and 300 others were injured in all three operations. 12 bodies were captured by LTTE in Kilinochchi (MIA). Many of the injuries to the Army were in the p3 category. The 57 Division took the brunt of the LTTE counter attacks facing 11 attacks so far.
The Army altogether lost 42 bodies, which were declared MIA.