Colombo: After capturing the LTTE's de facto capital Kilinochchi, Sri Lankan troops today maintained their hot pursuit of the Tamil Tigers as they advanced to seize the strategic Elephant Pass and the rebel-held coastal town of Mullaittivu.

Troops were just two kms away from the Elephant Pass, Sri Lankan Army chief Sarath Fonseka said, indicating that the fall of the Tiger bastion was imminent.

The capture of Elephant Pass would give the Sri Lankan troops a land access to northern province of Jaffna.

"Troops of Army Task Force 1 are marching into the strategically vital Elephant Pass town," according to defence sources in the battlefield.

"The total liberation of the town situated at the entrance to the Jaffna Peninsula is imminent," the Defence Ministry said quoted the sources.

Simultaneously, another strong pincer of the Sri Lankan army is closing in on Mullaittivu, the headquarters of the sea Tigers, where the remnants of the LTTE cadres, who retreated from Kilinochchi, have taken shelter.

Lt Gen Fonseka said the battle for Mullaittivu has already begun as troops captured about 800 yards of the LTTE-built earth bund in the coastal town yesterday.

Troops have positioned themselves just five kms south of Mullaittivu and 3 kms south of the LTTE's main airstrip, he added.
Source : PTI