Air Force destroys Tiger boat

Rafik Jalaldeen

Air Force fighter jets yesterday destroyed a Sea Tiger boat on the Mullaitivu beach and LTTE gathering locations at Iranamadu.

Air Force Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said Kfir jets destroyed a Sea Tiger boat on the Mullaitivu beach at around 7.20am.

“The Air Force fighters had spotted LTTE movements on the Mullaitivu beach which turned out to be a Tiger boat and completely destroyed it,” he said.

In separate strikes, fighter jets also targeted north and east of Iranamadu. “The air raids were carried out in support of advancing troops of the 57-division at 6.20am and 8.20am in the Iranamadu area,” Wing Commander Nanayakkara added.

The aerial attacks were subsequent to information from ground intelligence sources and air surveillance.

Meanwhile, Task Force-1 fired at a double cab believed to be transporting a LTTE leader travelling in the Nivil area in Paranthan yesterday afternoon.

“Troops observed that the vehicle was disabled due to the firing and LTTE cadres were fleeing the area carrying their wounded,” Military spokesman Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

The vehicle was not recovered. Recently established ground troops Task Force IV had regained another strategically important LTTE hub Nedunkerni on Sunday. They are making rapid advances towards Mullaitivu from three directions, he said.

Troops entered Nedunkerni extending defence lines further in three directions.

“Task Force IV is consolidating its positions in Nedunkerni carrying out moping-up operations in the area, and are poised to liberate Mullaitivu with a three pronged thrust from north of Oddusudan, Northeast of Mullaveli and west of A9-road,” Brigadier Nanayakkara told the Daily News.

He said the LTTE had constructed bunkers and trenches surrounding the Nedunkerni hospital and other government establishments.

According to military sources, within 48 hours, Task Force IV operating on the Mullaitivu front, took control of the strategic location. Meanwhile, Division 56 attached to the Mullaitivu battle front confronted the LTTE cadres and inflicted heavy damages to them in Ampakamam on Sunday afternoon.

In a subsequent search operation, a body of a female LTTE cadre was recovered along with a T56 assault riffle.