Troops on a fighting patrol in the general area of Pahala Thoppur, about 20 kms. south of Trincomalee observed three LTTE cadres and engaged them with small arms and machine gun fire on Monday around 6.15 a.m., the government said.

On subsequent search in the area, troops recovered three bodies of the terrorists, one T 56 weapon, one radio set and one 40 mm grenade launcher from the location.

Three dead bodies are to be handed over to the ICRC for onward transfer to the LTTE.

Troops operating ahead of the Forward Defence Line in the general area of Muhamalai, about 3 kms. southeast of Eluthumadduval observed a group of LTTE terrorists and engaged them with small arms and machine gunfire on 9th December around 11.00 a.m.

Terrorists retaliated the fire with small arms and 81 mm mortars and fled the area with their casualties.

Later, troops directed 81 mm mortars towards the fleeing terrorists.

One soldier was killed and four more soldiers were wounded due to terrorist small arms and mortar fire.

Terrorists casualties are not known yet.

Air Force troops were on a fighting patrol were fired upon by a group of LTTE terrorists in the general area of Periyathurai, about 4 kms. west of Batticaloa town on 8th December around 8.45 p.m.

Air Force troops also retaliated the fire with small arms. Terrorists fled the area after about 15 minutes of confrontation.

One airman was seriously wounded and evacuated to Batticaloa Hospital.

Later the airman succumbed to his injuries.