Ariel view,Text from source : Sri Lankan soldiers have been able to rescue several thousands of civilians held hostage by the LTTE terrorists in the government declared No Fire Zone this morning (Apr 20).

According to the defence sources , troops have been able to open up a safe route for the civilians to come out of the NFZ after the soldiers of 58 Division successfully destroyed the LTTE fortifications in the Puthumathalan area.

Troops of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (11 SLLI), 9 Gemunu Watch (9 GW), 8 Gajaba Regiment (8 GR), Special Force (SF) and Army Commandos (CR) captured 2 1/2 Km long stretch of LTTE built earth bund in the Puthumathalan area early this morning destroying the terrorists' ability to attack the civilians seeking refuge with the armed force.

According to the latest information over 10,000 civilians are trying to seek refuge with soldiers.
Latest reports received from the Sri Lanka Army 58 Division indicate that over 30,000 civilians held hostage by LTTE terrorists at Puthumathalan and Amplalavanpokkani areas have been liberated.