Over 3,000 civilians breakout

Four civilians killed, 14 injured in Tiger shooting:

Troops in rescue mission march ahead:

Rafik JALALDEEN

Over 3,000 civilians were rescued yesterday morning by troops engaged in the final rescue mission of civilians from the newly declared No Fire Zone (NFZ).

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said over 3,000 civilians sought protection with the troops of the 59 Division braving indiscriminate fire by the LTTE during the morning in Vadduvakal.

He said at least four civilians were killed and 14 others injured when the Tiger cadres opened indiscriminate fire at fleeing civilians from Vellaimullivaikkal in the NFZ. Troops engaged in the final rescue act are now marching ahead to liberate the trapped civilians from the LTTE confined to its last remaining territory, Vellaimullivaikkal. “Troops are now maneuvering further southwards along the coast,” he added.

Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said 12 injured civilians were airlifted from Mulliyaveli to Anuradhapura hospital. “We have kept stand-by helicopters to airlift the injured civilians fleeing from the NFZ,” he added

Over 120,000 civilians have already been rescued and settled in IDP centres by the Government.