Troops capture LTTE airstrip

Ranil Wijayapala

Mankulam: Troops attached to the 57 Division yesterday captured an LTTE airstrip in Panikkankulam area, seven kilometres northwest of Mankulam, Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told the Daily News.

According to Brigadier Nanayakkara the airstrip, 500 metres long and 50 metres wide, is located west of the A9 road and close to the rail track.

The troops have located this airstrip while operating in the north of Vannivilankulam area yesterday,” the Brigadier added.

“There are signs that the LTTE had made use of this airstrip to land and park their small aircraft in an emergency as it comprised a taxiway and parking areas,” he said.

Air Force Commander Air marshal Roshan Goonetilleka told the Daily News that the SLAF fighter jets have bombed this airstrip on several occasions in the past. “We believe the LTTE has made use of this airstrip for training and other purposes.”

This is the first time that Security Forces engaged in the Wanni liberation came across such as airstrip despite reports about several airstrips used by the LTTE in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts.