Sri Lanka: Military seizes key rebel crossroads

[Adsos Letter]

Source: Las Vegas Sun/ AP

The Associated Press
Thu, Jan 1, 2009 (1:09 a.m.)

Sri Lanka's military seized a key crossroads in the north from the separatist Tamil Tiger rebels Thursday after fierce clashes that killed at least 54 fighters, an official said.

Capturing the strategic Paranthan junction after 10 years under rebel control is the latest in a series of battle successes for the government, which has vowed to defeat the insurgents this year to end their 25-year separatist campaign.

Government officials made the same prediction last year but faced stiff rebel resistance.

Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said taking control of Paranthan after about six weeks of fighting will open a third front against the guerrillas' de facto capital of Kilinochchi, which is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to the south.

It will also isolate a rebel stronghold at Elephant Pass to the north and allow soldiers to march into northeastern rebel territory, he said.



Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jan/01/sri-lanka-military-seizes-key-rebel-crossroads/