Advancing Sri Lankan troops have intensified the battle near the LTTE-controlled headquarters of Kilinochchi amidst fierce resistance by the Tamil Tigers and are now consolidating their position near Mannar, officials said today.

Sri Lanka [Images] army offensive divisions in the Wanni theatre of operations are now marching towards the Kilinochchi built up in three frontiers, defence sources said. They said Army Task Force 1 and 57 Division have launched attacks at the LTTE [Images] held earth bund on the outskirts of Kilinochchi.

According to the latest reports, pitched battles are going on in the north of Adampan, South of Adampan and Therumurikandi areas near Mannar since early this morning.

Army Task Force 1 launched a predawn offensive targeting LTTE defence in the North of Adampan area.

Infantrymen of 17 Gamunu Watch, 12 Gajaba Regiment, and 8 Sinha Regiment have captured LTTE strongholds on the earthbund at three locations after crushing stiff resistance.

"Troops are now consolidating their positions," the defence ministry said, adding intercepted radio transmissions have confirmed heavy damages to the rebels during the clashes.

Meanwhile, Army's 57 division troops are now fighting the LTTE in the vicinity of the rebel held earth bund in the Adampan area.

According to the sources, LTTE defence in the area "are fast falling apart" as Troops of 12 SR, and 9 GR engage in operations in the region.

In the North of Kokavil area in Kilinochchi, troops of  8 Sri Lanka Light Infantry, and 10 SLLI are now advancing towards the A-9 road.