The military took control of the Thoppigala jungle base used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) near dawn, the defence ministry said in a statement. It gave no further details about the latest offensive.

"Commandos and soldiers... reached Thoppigala a few hours ago," the statement said. "With this victory, the troops have captured the nerve centre of the LTTE terrorists in their last stronghold in the eastern province."

There was no immediate comment from the Tigers, who for more than three decades have led a campaign for an independent homeland for minority ethnic Tamils concentrated in the island's north and east.

"The victorious soldiers are presently clearing enemy 'pockets' scattered in the dense jungle and are pursuing the LTTE cadres who are on the run," the statement said.