Navy attacks LTTE boat with suicide cadres

Major tragedy averted:

The Sri Lankan Navy yesterday attacked an LTTE boat with five suicide cadres that tried to enter the Government controlled area along with civilians.

Navy spokesman told the Daily News that a flotilla of four boats approaching was observed around 4.30 a.m. yesterday in the Mullaitivu Palamattalan area.

The boats, which were under observation, reached the Chundikulam-Vettilaikerni area by dawn. It was observed one boat had five persons on board which aroused suspicion. It was found to be an LTTE boat with suicide cadres. The rest were civilian boats. The Navy isolated the LTTE boat and attacked it killing all five suicide cadres.

On inspection it was found that the boat contained one night vision glass, one pistol and ammunition, I grenade, two T 56 weapons and ammunition, two army camouflage uniforms, five maps, dry rations and two army packs, pair of deck shoes, diving compass and one land compass.

Fifty four civilians came in the other three boats.

Commenting on the incident the Navy spokesman said that the LTTE cadres would have come to enter the Government controlled area along with the civilians with the objective of causing death and destruction in a big way.

The Navy\s vigil and timely action averted disaster, he added.