Tiger bid to attack food ships foiled

Rafik JALALDEEN

Security Forces foiled an LTTE attempt to attack two merchant ships.

JAFFNA: An LTTE attempt to attack two merchant ships carrying essential relief items to people affected by the conflict in the Northern Peninsula was foiled by Security Forces in the northern sea last morning.

Two of the three LTTE suicide boats were exploded near two freight ships carrying humanitarian aid to civilians from Colombo to Kankesanthurai.

“The LTTE suicide attack was launched in the northern sea off Mailadi in Mullaitivu yesterday around 5.00 a.m. targeting the two merchant ships,” Navy spokesman Commander D.P.K. Dassanayake said.

Security Forces providing safe voyage to the two freighters Nimalawa and Ruhunu foiled the LTTE attempt to breach the area and fired towards the LTTE suicide boats approaching the ships.

“Two LTTE boats were completely destroyed and another was captured by the Navy. At least six Sea Tigers were killed,” he added.“The LTTE is aiming to interrupt Government efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and supplies to people in the conflict areas. This demonstrates that the LTTE is a terrorist outfit which has no mercy for humanity,” Commander Dassanayaka told the Daily News.

He said a Tiger boat was exploded close to the Nimalawa merchant ship and caused minor damages to the ship.

“However, both ships are sailing without any casualties. They are carrying 3,500 Metric Ton of cement and 2,500 MT of food items”, he added.

The merchants ships and captured LTTE suicide boats were towed to the Mailady shores and Ruhunu and Nimalawa freighters to be taken with the security of the Navy. Sailors are conducting a search operation in the area.