Army 'takes key Sri Lanka pass'

The Sri Lankan army has captured Elephant Pass, the strategic causeway linking the Jaffna peninsula with the mainland, the president has said.

Mahinda Rajapaksa said Tamil Tiger rebels had been completely dislodged. The Tigers have made no comment yet.

Troops took Kilinochchi, the HQ of the rebels, last week and began a pincer movement on Elephant Pass.

The Tigers have been fighting for a separate homeland for 25 years and have held the pass since 2000.

De facto state

President Rajapaksa said in a televised address: "Our forces have recorded another historic victory. That is the complete dislodging of the Tigers from Elephant Pass and the security forces establishing their authority there."

See map of the region

On Thursday, troops coming south from Muhamalai took over the rebel base at Pallai and then advanced 5km (3 miles) further south to capture Sorampattu, the military said.



Credits: BBC