Security Forces unearth large stock of arms

Rafik Jalaldeen

Security Forces continuing clearing and mopping up operations in the North and the East recovered over 240 kg of high explosives along with a large stock of arms and ammunition during separate search operations on Monday in Tharavikkulam and Puthukudiyiruppu.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops of the 232nd Brigade conducted an extensive search operation in Tharavikkulam and unearthed 400 electric detonators, four C4 explosive cans each containing 27.5kg explosives (110kg) and 2,250 T56 ammunition.

Meanwhile, the Task Force VIII launching a mopping up operation in the Puthukudiyiruppu area recovered a cache of arms. Troops uncovered 132kg of high explosives, two M16 weapons, 10 M16 magazines, 5 of 5.56 ammunition, three RPG rounds, two T56 magazines, 1,344 electric detonators, 11 claymore mines, three claymore mine plates, 19 suicide bombs that can be fitted to vehicles, 57 suicide jackets, 4,409 9mm ammunition, 10,500 non electric detonators, six claymore circuit connectors, six TNT explosive slabs, 29 paddle gun ammunition, 11 IEDs, three hand grenades, 132 of 82mm mortar bombs, 95 of 82mm mortar fuses, 50 of 82mm mortar cartridges and 10 kg of gun powder.

Troops of the Task Force continuing clearing operations in Kappukulam area have recovered seven OBM, three YASHIKA cameras, six camera flash lights, four camera stands, a YASHIKA F- 35 auto focus camera, two YASU radio sets and a large stock of weapon parts.