Colombo (AsiaNews) – At least 25 dead and an uncertain number killed. That ‘s the death toll from an airplane attack launched this morning by the Tamil Tiger rebels targeting a military airbase in the North of Sri Lanka. Colombo’s Defence Ministry issued a statement saying that the Anuradhapura air base 180 kilometres from the capital was attacked, by a Tamil Tiger (Eelam) plane in a pre dawn raid.
The rebels dropped two bombs along with a coordinated ground assault. A military spokesman has assured that “the situation has been brought under control, now we are seeking those responsible”. Despite this the Tamil Tigers – who have been fighting to create an independent state for over 80 years – have so far not confirmed the episode nor claimed responsibility.
Local inhabitants told AsiaNews that the noise of the attack could be heard “for kilometres”, just as “high flames around the base” could were also clearly visible.
According to unconfirmed sources, the LTTE tigers have arrested one lady air officer and her child in the base. They have warned not to come inside the store of explosives: if so, they have told that it will explode.
In the meanwhile, Colombo advices the about 2500 families residing around the air base to leave their houses.
