Forces unearth arms haul

Rafik Jalaldeen

Security Forces engaged in clearing operations in the liberated areas to resettle civilians have recovered a large stock of arms and weapons in an extensive search operation launched in the Puthukudiyiruppu and Vellaimullivaikkal areas on Monday.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Task Force VIII continuing search operations unearthed a haul of arms in the Puthukudiyiruppu area on Monday.

Troops recovered 72 of 60mm mortar bombs, 13 of 60mm mortar charges, 1,006 T56 ammunition, two claymore mines each weighing two kg, three RPG rounds and nine hand grenades. Meanwhile, Task Force VIII launching a mopping up operation in the Vellaimullivaikkal area uncovered a cache of weapons on Monday.

He said troops found 56 hand grenades, a T56 rifle, two 152mm artillery shells, a 40mm grenade launcher, a cartridge, 14 IDE and an RPG bomb. Police spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said on information received OIC Kataragama Laksiri Chandimal recovered arms hidden inside a jungle patch near Menikganga on Monday.