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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Sri Lankan Army Seizes Last Big Rebel Base

Loss is latest setback for beleaguered Tamil Tiger separatists

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(Newser) – The Sri Lankan army says it has captured the last urban Tamil Tiger base in a surprise morning assault, CNN reports. Soldiers and rebels battled fiercely for the town of Mullaittivu, the latest effort in the army’s recent campaign to capture Tiger areas. The army says the rebels are now contained to a small 20-kilometer area. "The end of terrorism is near and we will definitely win," Sri Lanka's army chief said.

In this undated handout photo, Sri Lankan soldiers run in Vaddakachchi area, about 131 miles north east of Colombo.
In this undated handout photo, Sri Lankan soldiers run in Vaddakachchi area, about 131 miles north east of Colombo.   (AP Photo/Sri Lanka Defense Minsitry, HO)
Sri Lanka observers say the government's commitment to the fight coupled with a string of miscalculations by the Tigers has brought one of the world's most sophisticated rebel groups to its knees.
Sri Lanka observers say the government's commitment to the fight coupled with a string of miscalculations by the Tigers has brought one of the world's most sophisticated rebel groups to its knees.   (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
Sri Lankan soldiers are seen walking to a bunker of the Sri Lankan army's forward defense line in Muhumalai.
Sri Lankan soldiers are seen walking to a bunker of the Sri Lankan army's forward defense line in Muhumalai.   (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
Tamil Tiger fighters take positions as they rehearse to break through outer defense lines of a military camp, at a training camp in an undisclosed location in Tiger-controlled territory.
Tamil Tiger fighters take positions as they rehearse to break through outer defense lines of a military camp, at a training camp in an undisclosed location in Tiger-controlled territory.   (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
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Today's recapture of Mullaittivu town by army troops marks a significant victory over terrorists. This victory is definitely a tremendous morale booster and a milestone. - Sri Lankan defense ministry

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