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Sri Lankan Navy destroys LTTE boats

COLOMBO: The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) on Tuesday claimed its elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) destroyed two LTTE boats and killed six of its cadres in a predawn battle off Nayaru.

A statement said detecting a cluster of seven LTTE craft off Nayaru, the SBS opened fire and destroyed two craft and damaged another. Air Force helicopters provided air support as the Navy attacked four LTTE boats. The Navy, citing intercepted LTTE communication, said six cadre were killed and as many injured during the battle, which lasted 90 minutes.

Separately, the Defence Ministry said the 59th Division, operating in Mullathivu, launched multi-pronged offensives in the area on Tuesday.

“The LTTE suffered severe damages during the confrontations in Andankulam general area. Intercepting LTTE radio communication, it is confirmed that many LTTE cadre were killed. In subsequent search operations conducted in the area, troops found military items left behind by the fleeing terrorists,” said the Ministry.

Pro-LTTE TamilNet claimed that in the Jaffna Peninsula, the LTTE put up stiff resistance as the Army attempted to breach Forward Defence Line. “Heavy clashes erupted along the FDL on each attempt, said the Tigers. At least 36 soldiers were killed and 90 wounded, said the Tigers,” it claimed.

The website said the Army launched artillery and multi-barrel rocket launcher fire towards Vadamaraadchi, Iyakkachchi, Paranthan, Kugnchup-Paranthan, Kumarapuram and the suburbs of Kilinochchi on Tuesday.

India will formally hand over 1,680 metric tonnes of relief materials to the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday for distribution to the civilians affected by the conflict in the north.

A ship carrying the consignment destined for displaced persons in LTTE-held areas arrived here three days ago.

Dinker Asthana, spokesperson for the Indian High Commission here, said: “It is a large consignment. We expect to clear customs formalities and hand over the material to ICRC on Thursday.” The supplies include food, clothes, hygiene and sanitary materials.

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