A farmer on his way to his paddy field in the general area of MAHANETIYAWA, about 8 Kms Northeast of KEBATHIGOLLAWA fell victim to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) trapped on to a terrorist claymore mine today (30 November) around 7.50 a.m, the Special Media Information Centre said.

It is believed that terrorists had targeted the security personnel who generally clear this road every morning.

The deceased was on his way to the field after his breakfast on this holy full moon day for Sri Lanka's Buddhists.

He was also carrying a lunch packet with him at the time of the explosion. This IED had been laid along the PADAVIYA - KEBATHIGOLLEWA road which is largely used by public for their day to day movements.

Troops on a dominating patrol in the general area North of KALYANAPURA about 08 Kms North of WELIOYA have confronted a group of terrorists on 29 November around 8.30 a.m. when they were approaching towards the troops.

Terrorists have fled the area with their casualties after about 10 minutes of fire fight.

Troops at a road block in the general area of IDAIKADU about 19 Kms Northeast of JAFFNA town had searched a motor bicycle with two persons on suspicion on 29 November around 3.10 p.m.

These persons had tried to escape through the road block when the troops attempted to stop the bicycle. However, troops were able to apprehend and searched them who were suspected to be LTTE terrorists.

Later, troops have recovered one hand grenade, one cyanide capsule, cash to the value of SL Rs 5187/= ( approximately US $ 57.5 ), a wrist watch, three identity cards and some documents from their possession. The arrested persons were handed over to ACHCHUVELI Police Station for further investigations.

Troops operating ahead of the Forward Defence Line in the general area of KILALY about 4 Kms South of ELUTHUMADDUVAL have observed a group of about 15 LTTE terrorists and engaged them with small arms and machine gun fire on 29 November around 9.10 a.m.

Terrorists have fled the area with their casualties. Later, troops directed 81 mm mortars and artillery fire towards the fleeing terrorists.