Navy foils LTTE attack on Pesalai

Rafik JALALDEEN

The Navy foiled an attempt by a cluster of LTTE boats to target a police station in Pesalai yesterday morning, killing over 17 Tiger cadres and injuring many others, Navy spokesman Commander D.P.K. Dassanayake said.

Six LTTE boats deployed from Vedithaltivu mingling with fishing boats launched an attack targeting the Pesalai police station yesterday around 8.15 am. “Naval troops from the ground and sea successfully repulsed the sea Tigers Medium Caliber attack towards the Pesalai police station.

The LTTE boats were harboured one mile away from the shores of Pesalai,” Commander Dassanayaka told the Daily News. “The fight lasted two hours. The Pesalai police assisted the naval troops retaliating the attack,” he added.

“The Tigers have no regard for civilian lives. While the LTTE attacked the Pesalai police, civilians fled the area for their lives. Several houses were also slightly damaged by the LTTE firing,” Commander Dassanayake pointed out.

“The sea Tigers retreated towards Vedithaltivu towing a boat which was damaged by sailors,” he added. Intercepts of LTTE communications had revealed the names and numbers of the Tigers killed in the fight.

They included Ramachandran (0027), Kajendran (00462), Elilan (1278), Thamul Priyan (1131), Thangei Maran, Thangei Murasu (216), Arichchandran (950), Arun Dewan (1593), Piyala Rasa, Aha Amuda (1112), Puyala Rasi, Karikalan, Piyawan, (437), (1256), (492) and (1480).