Soosai’s hideout captured

LTTE suicide bomb factory, swimming pool found:

Rafik JALALDEEN

Security Forces in their advance to liberate the last LTTE bastion of Puthukudiyiruppu have captured in clashes on Wednesday Sea Tiger Leader Soosai’s hideout, a suicide bomb factory and a swimming pool used by the LTTE leadership .

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops of the 58 division after prolonged offensive attacks west of Puthukudiyiruppu captured LTTE sea Tiger leader Soosai’s hideout and a suicide bomb factory following fierce battles that erupted on Wednesday.

The Sinha Regiment (7 SLSR) attached to the 58 division under the command of Brigadier Shavendra Silva had captured Puthukudiyiruppu west. “It is believed that the Tigers used the location as a manufacturing yard for suicide bombs, claymore mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” Brigadier Nanayakkara added. He said adjoining to the bomb manufacturing yard troops of the 10 Gajaba Regiment (10GR) and 12 GR captured the LTTE Sea Tiger Leader Soosai’s bunker. “The bunker was severely damaged due to aerial bombing earlier. Out Boat Motors and many other equipment used by the Sea Tiger cadres were also found in the vicinity,” he added.

Troops of the 9th Gemunu Watch (9 GW) and 6 GW captured an LTTE swimming pool and its surrounding fortifications following intense fighting that lasted several hours on Wednesday,” Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

He said the swimming pool was 50 feet long and 30 feet wide with its deep end over 7 feet in depth. It was concealed by nets and canopies to avoid aerial surveillance. “Existence of Cabana type cottages in the vicinity signifies that the high profile LTTE leaders frequented this location,” he added.

The fast shrinking LTTE area in Mullaitivu is now confined to 58 sq kms as troops have surrounded the LTTE’s last stronghold, the Puthukkudiyiruppu township.