COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, November 26, SPA -- Sri Lankan troops are on theoutskirts of Kilinochchi and expect the Tamil Tiger'sadministrative capital to fall imminently, the governmentsaid Wednesday. The capture of Kilinochchi would be a devastating blow tothe separatist group, which once controlled a large defacto state in northern Sri Lanka but has been forced intoa rapid retreat in the face of a massive militaryoffensive. Though the town has little military importance _ and therebels would almost certainly fight on if it falls _ it isseen as one of the most significant symbols of the rebels'fight to create their own independent state in the northand east of this Indian Ocean island nation. In recent days, government forces and rebel guerrillashave engaged in fierce fighting over the town. Defense spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella was quoted as saying Wednesday thatthe troops were on «the outskirts of the town,» and therebels' appeared to have abandoned their defenses. «They are in retreat, they are moving out,» he said.«Their presence is not felt.» When asked whether the town was expected to fallimminently, he said, «Yes.» Other security officials said any announcement over thecapture of Kilinochchi would be made by President MahindaRajapaksa.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/611396