Troops continue humanitarian operations

LTTE attacking Security Forces from schools and hospitals:

Dharma Sri Abeyartne and Chandrika Perera

COLOMBO: The Navy yesterday seized two boats ferrying medical supplies to wounded LTTEers in Pallemunai, Mannar and captured two Tigers in a clear indication that the outfit had suffered heavy casualties during the current humanitarian operations by the Forces in the Mannar sector.

Meanwhile, troops continued with its humanitarian mission to liberate civilians held by the LTTE as human shields in uncleared areas.

Security Forces are conducting humanitarian operations in Vavunathivu, Unnichchi West, Ethimale, Karadianaru in Batticaloa District, Madhu, Yodawewa in the Mannar District and Omanthai West to stop the civilians being used as a human shield by the LTTE, Military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said.

The Forces have been successful in neutralising LTTE gun positions since the LTTE attack the Security Forces using mortars and artillery guns from these areas.

According to Brigadier Samarasinghe, the LTTE mounted attacks on Security Forces using civilians as a human shield.

“The operations are carried out on humanitarian grounds. Apart from that troops have to neutralise the LTTE mortar and artillery attacks,” Brigadier Samarasinghe said.

“The Security Forces are confronted with difficulties since the LTTE attack Security Forces from public places such as schools and hospitals without considering civilians’ lives”.

Brigadier Samarasinghe said the military operations were successful and Forces would be able to liberate civilians in uncleared areas before long.

According to military sources, nine soldiers had been killed and 46 wounded in fierce clashes on Saturday. The casualties have been admitted to Batticaloa, Eravur and Valachchenai hospitals.

Brigadier Samarasinghe said more than 31 LTTE cadres had been killed and a large number wounded in attacks carried out by the Forces.

The Forces have detected 31 bodies of the LTTE. Arrangements have been made to hand over six bodies to the ICRC to be handed over to the LTTE by the Security Forces.