Sri Lanka’s army chief said Saturday his troops are on the verge of capturing the key northern headquarters of the Tamil Tigers in Kilinochchi.

Army forces had advanced to within two kilometres (1.25 miles) of the rebel stronghold, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka said in a speech at a Buddhist ceremony in the north central town of Anuradhapura.

Wresting control of Kilinochchi would be a major military and psychological blow to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

As the political capital of the LTTE’s northern mini-state, the town is where the rebels have hosted visiting foreign dignitaries and peace brokers in the past.

This week Sri Lanka warplanes bombed the offices of the LTTE’s police, intelligence and "peace secretariat" in the town.

The rebels said some of the bombs fell on houses, injuring civilians. The LTTE did not comment on Fonseka’s remarks and independent verification on the offensive is not possible as the defence ministry bars media access to the frontlines.

Foreign aid workers who evacuated the northern region three weeks ago said most residents of Kilinochchi had fled as the fighting moved closer.

The defence ministry said 26 rebels and three soldiers were killed during fighting across the north on Friday.

According to ministry figures, the Tamil Tigers have lost some 7,184 fighters since January.