Tigers on the run nabbed in PNG

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Papua New Guinea intelligence officials (NIO) have arrested 12 Sri Lankan men linked to the LTTE who were on the run from a major offensive against the Tigers by the Sri Lankan Security Forces.

They were alleged to be planning to go to Australia using falsified documents, NIO sources said.

PNG’s National Intelligence Organisation, or NIO, arrested the men aged between 30 and 35 in a Port Moresby hotel.

The NIO says they were planning to travel to Australia via PNG’s Western Province near the PNG-Australia border. Intelligence officers have questioned the men, who they allege arrived in PNG this week on falsified tourist visas.

The NIO claims the men are members of the separatist Tiger movement.

A spokesman for the NIO said it was believed the group planned to travel from PNG’s Western Province to Australia via the Torres Strait.

“We are checking their travel documents as we believe they may not be in order, and what or where they planned to go,” he said. “The group are in being questioned and we are trying to find out their connection to the Tamil Tiger movement, as well whether they are staying in PNG or heading south (to Australia).

ABC, Radio Australia