At least 35 LTTE [Images] cadres and a soldier were killed as fierce fighting continued to rage for control of the strategic northern areas of the country. Fire-fights have been erupting across the embattled area, officials said.
    
Lankan troops continuing their advance towards the Tiger's nerve centre of Kilinochchi confronted strong resistance from the rebels in the north of Vedamakulam on Thursday in which four LTTE cadres were killed and two others wounded.
    
Clashes were also reported in Palamodei in Vavuniya where government sources claimed that sic tigers were killed in two different incidents on Thursday.
    
As many as nine other militants were claimed to have been gunned down by the troops of 57th division, which is spearheading the assault on the LTTE headquarters. The tigers were killed in three separate battles in Akkarayankulam in Mullaittiuvu district.
    
Another Lankan task force operating in Kilinochchi reported several engagements in which they claimed ten LTTE cadres were killed. The Defence ministry said one soldier lost his life while 11 sustained injuries during these clashes.
    
One Tiger rebel was killed and two others injured in a battle in North-eastern Welioya. In another encounter at Andankulam in Welioya four rebels were killed.