Despite the losses in Operation Rivi Kirana on 3 September, the Army launched a limited operation a week later, securing areas closer to Ariyalai and destroying a bridge at Navatkuli, east of Jaffna town. On 17 September, 4,000 troops advanced from Sarasalai and Meesalai, while artillery shelling of LTTE-controlled areas in Thenmaratchy from Palaly and other military bases and heavy bombardment by the Airforce continued. Chavakachcheri town fell within four hours.
The government arranged for a group of reporters to visit the town. The journalists were allowed half hour to meet the people of Jaffna town and then taken to Chavakachcheri through Palaly and Vadamaratchy. Jaffna commander Major Gen. Anton Wijendra told them that the capture of the town removed the LTTE threat to Jaffna city. The journalists say 80% of the buildings, including the hospital, are damaged or destroyed. Over 65,000 people in the surrounding areas have been displaced as a result of Operation Kiniheera.
The Tigers retaliated on 19 September, but were unable to push back the Army. The Sri Lankan troops continued Operation Kiniheera and on 26 September further extended lines of control west of Sarasalai and north of Madduvil. The Sunday Times columnist Iqbal Athas says the Army captured 22 sq. km. in operations Rivi Kirana and Kiniheera. More than 300 soldiers were killed and over 1,300 wounded.
On 26 September, the LTTE launched Operation Oyatha Alaigal IV (Unceasing Waves) and simultaneously attacked Kilali, Eluthumadduval and Nagarkovil, capturing around 30 sq. km. Observers say that the Tigers’ main aim is to take the Army camp at Nagarkovil in Vadamaratchy, which would facilitate an offensive on Palaly military base. In early October, the LTTE continued to fire artillery shells on north Valikamam forcing the suspension of military flights into Palaly airbase.
Civilians continue to suffer in the fighting. Refugee Nadarajah Nadesini was killed by a Tiger shell at Kopai in early September. Army shells killed S Karthigesu, 70, and S Poobalu, 60, at Nunavil near Chavakachcheri on 2 September. Five men who went fishing in the Jaffna lagoon on 18 September are missing. The Army shot dead S Sivanathan on the same day at a checkpoint in Kopai. It is alleged that he fled as soldiers at the checkpoint attempted to search him. Three civilians, including Y Thamilarasi, 25, died when shells hit Kodikamam on 26 September. Four others were seriously injured.