Forces repulse string of LTTE attacks

Ranil Wijeyapala and Rafik Jalaldeen

BATTICALOA: The Security Forces successfully repulsed a series of LTTE artillery and mortar attacks on the Kumburumalai, Sithathandi, Black bridge, Mavedivembu and Chenkaladi army camps in Batticaloa, killing over eight LTTE cadres and injuring several others, while recovering a large haul of weapons and arms.

The confrontation took place in the wee hours of yesterday.

Eleven civilians too were injured when the LTTE artillery and mortar shells landed on IDP centres and villages with the Army fearing the casualty figure could increase.

A group of LTTE cadres attempted to infiltrate the Army camps in Batticaloa backed by heavy mortars and artillery at around 12.45 a.m.

Troops successfully retaliated the attack, Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said at weekly security press briefing. According to him the battle lasted for five hours.

He said the Tigers stranded in the Thoppigla jungles had made a last ditch attempt launched the offensive which lasted for five hours, Brigadier Samarasinghe said.

According to Brigadier Samarasinghe the Tigers lost eight cadres including a female. LTTE communication intercepts revealed over 30 cadres were injured in the counterattack and removed to the Thoppigala area.

Troops also recovered a haul of weapons and explosives in a subsequent search. “The troops recovered six T-56 assault rifles, an LMG, an RPG, a Bangalore Torpedo and a large stock of ammunition. The search operations are still on,” he added.

Four soldiers were killed and 14 others sustained injuries. Three critically injured soldiers were airlifted to the Polonnaruwa hospital.

Meanwhile, the LTTE cadres are continuing sporadic attacks at several areas in Batticaloa and the Security Forces are retaliating the attacks successfully. “The Unnichchai area is under the full control of the Security Forces,” Brigadier Samarasinghe told the Media.

The Brigadier said the LTTE cadres were also continuing their sporadic attacks west of Omanthai and Madu FDL in Vavuniya.

The Security Forces were retaliating to neutralise Tiger positions. “Troops recovered the bodies of the LTTE cadres and also weapons,” he added.