LTTE Headquarters,
                                                Tamil Eelam.
                                                21. February 1997


PRESS RELEASE
NEWS FROM TAMIL EELAM

LTTE ATTACKS ADVANCING TROOPS
        An LTTE commando unit has struck at Sri Lankan troops advancing
        west from Vavuniya. The attack took place at Uyilankulam,
        stalling the army's advance. Many Sri Lankan soldiers have been
        killed. Exact casualty figures are awaited.

TWO SOLDIERS DIE - JAFFNA
        Two Sri Lankan soldiers have been killed in Vadamaradchy
        (army-occupied Jaffna). They were part of an army motorcycle
        patrol riding near the Iron Bridge (Vadiri) when the LTTE
        intercepted them.
        
Political Committee,
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

(English translation of the LTTE statement released by
LTTE International Secretariat, 211 Katherine Road, London E6 1BU,
United Kingdom. Tel:0181- 503 4294 / Fax: 0181-470 8593)