Army, a short while ago, confirmed that 'Gopi', the suspected new leader of LTTE, has been shot dead in Nedunkarni, Vavuniya last night. 

Along with him, two other LTTE suspects have also been shot dead by the Army. One of the LTTE suspects has been identified as 'Appan', a close associate of 'Gobi'. Both of them were on the wanted list of Police for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities. 

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Army said it had to open fire at suspected LTTE members when they attempted to escape after firing gunshots at the Army team who conducted the search operation. 

The dead bodies have been recovered this morning. Former members of the LTTE, Gopi and Appan, were believed to be trained by 'Pottu Amman', former Leader of the LTTE Intelligence Unit. 

A Lance Corporal of the SL Army was also killed last night during the clash. 

Gopi, according to the Army, was directly responsible for opening fire at a Police team in Dharmapuram, Kilinochchi last month.