Forces successfully repulse Tiger attacks

COLOMBO: Security Forces successfully retaliated and repulsed attacks in Mandaithivu, Kilai and Kayts killing over 250 LTTE cadres.

"More than 79 bodies were buried by the soldiers and hundreds of bodies are lying scattered in the area.

Many LTTE cadres are also injured," Army Operational Director Brigadier Athula Jayawardene told a press briefing yesterday.

Around 88 Forces personnel and two sailors were killed. The injured were removed to hospital for treatment.

The Security Forces have so far successfully held onto its FDL in Muhamalai.

Six LTTE artillery gun positions were destroyed by the Air Force. Jaffna is under the control of the Security Forces, Brigadier Jayawardene said.

The LTTE called for more reinforcements from Vanni and Welioya but they are deserting their leaders after they were defeated in Jaffna, he added.

"We never target any innocent civilians during our attacks. We strongly deny the charges that the Air Force bombarded the orphanage school. We attack our targets when it is necessary," he said.

"We targeted the Sencholai training camp on information provided by our civilian intelligence following close surveillance. We have monitored this training camp since 2004 and attacked the training camp after co-ordinating the information," Brigadier Jayawardene said.

"The camp was located eight kms away from any human settlement and was in a jungle. Many buildings were being used for different training drills. It was a transit camp," he said. The LTTE cadres were transiting from this place to other areas after they finished their training, he added.

In this attack over 200 LTTE cadres were killed and 300 injured, Brigadier Jayawardene said. Government Defence Spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella urged LTTE cadres and their child soldiers to surrender to the nearest police or army camps. Those who surrender will be treated with humanity.

"They will also receive training to be good citizens before being handed over to their parents or their guardians," he said.