Navy destroys five LTTE boats

VETTILAIKERNI: The Navy last evening destroyed five LTTE boats and severely damaged another nine in a confrontation off Vettilaikerni.

“Around 40 Sea Tigers are believed to have perished,” a spokesman for the Media Centre for National Security said.

He said the Navy Fast Attack Craft engaged around 20 LTTE boats which had tried to attack naval craft off Point Pedro. The Army also fired artillery aimed at the Tiger boats and the Air Force too engaged them.

“The LTTE cadres in the boats are in a very desperate situation. They are calling for reinforcements,” the spokesman said.