Apr 11, Colombo: The wanted LTTE suspect Ponniah Selvanayagam Kajeeban alias Gopi was among the three LTTE operatives killed by the Sri Lankan security forces in a clash last night in Vavuniya, the military spokesman has confirmed.

Earlier reports said the security forces in a search operation for the wanted LTTE suspect Gopi had clashed with suspected LTTE operatives Thursday night in the Vedivachchikallu in Nedunkerni, Welioya, Nadunkarni area of Vavuniya.

Three LTTE operatives were killed during the shootout between the army soldiers and the suspects when the soldiers surrounded the suspects' hideout. Earlier reports said a soldier was also killed.

"The three suspects were identified as Gobi, Appan, and Thevian. Judicial inquiry is being held at the scene of the shooting," Army spokesman Ruwan Wanigasooriya was quoted in local media as saying.

The security personnel have recovered arms, ammunition, explosives and other material from the hideout, the spokesman has added.