Omanthai entry-exit point closed following LTTE attack

Ranil Wijayapala and Rafik Jalaldeen

VAVUNIYA: The busy Omanthai entry-exit point on the A-9 road was temporarily closed as it came under LTTE mortar attack yesterday at 10.30 am as the Security Forces launched limited humanitarian operation to neutralise LTTE mortar position west of Omanthai Forward Defence Line.

The LTTE launched this sudden mortar attack on the Omanthai entry-exit point even disregarding the presence of ICRC officials and the large number of civilians heading towards the North, Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe told the Daily News.

“Due to the LTTE mortar fire, ICRC authorities decided to withdraw to Vavuniya resulting in the closure of the Omanthai entry-exit point”, Brigadier Samarasinghe said.

Hundreds of people waiting to proceed to the North and lorries transporting food to civilians in Killinochchi and Mulaitivu districts had to be turned away and stationed at Vavuniya due to this.

Meanwhile, Security Forces engaged in a limited humanitarian operation to neutralise LTTE mortar positions in the East of Giant tank and West of Madhu bordering Mannar and Vavuniya districts killed more than 20 LTTE cadres and injured many others in their bid to neutralise Tiger mortar positions.

Troops went ahead of the Forward Defence Lines (FDL) in Mannar neutralising LTTE artillery and mortars to liberate civilians from the areas.

Troops also recovered a haul of arms, ammunition and equipment, Brigadier Samarasinghe said.

Three soldiers were killed and four injured in action, he added.

The Security Forces were compelled to neutralise these Tiger mortar positions as LTTE cadres fired mortars and artillery from the villages ahead of the FDL West of Omanthai area bordering Mannar-Vavuniya taking the cover of civilians as human shields to prevent the Security Forces’ retaliatory fire.

The LTTE used the same tactics in Vakarai and Batticaloa, Brigadier Samarasinghe said adding that Security Forces took maximum precautions to ensure that there were no civilian casualties in their humanitarian mission.

The same measures had been used during this limited operation, the Brigadier added.