Forces repulse LTTE attacks killing 27

Rafik JALALDEEN

COLOMBO: More than 27 LTTE cadres were killed and several others injured in three separate incidents in the North and East on Thursday when Security Forces successfully repulsed Tiger attacks, Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said.

A group of LTTEers attacked an Army patrol in Kaddimuravi Kulama and Madurankerni west of Vakarai using mortars and artilleries, he added.Brigadier Samarasinghe said 18 LTTE cadres were killed when the Forces retaliated.

They also recovered arms, ammunition, two communication sets and other items.

Meanwhile, LTTE cadres opened fire on an observation post and foot patrol troops Forward Defence Line in Kadjuwatta on Thursday night.

"The troops counter attacked and killed nine LTTE cadres. The Security Forces were unable to recover the bodies of the LTTE cadres due to continuing sporadic mortar attacks," Samarasinghe said.

He said according to statistics 1623 civilians have entered to the Government controlled areas since November 2006.

Many of these civilians reported to the Security Forces that they were forcibly retained by the LTTE to be used as human shield against the retaliation of the troops.

According to the civilians sources the LTTE cadres had forced them to dig bunkers and transport logistics in the uncleared areas.