Colombo (AsiaNews) – At least two people were killed and seven injured in a suicide bombing attack on a building near the Colombo port this morning, which lies in the north of the Sri Lankan capital. One of the victims is e bomber; the identity of the second is still unknown.
Police report that the powerful explosion completely destroyed the three story building. According to sources from the ministry for Defence the explosion took place as police, after having sealed off the area, were bringing to an end a security operation. The officers had received information that a suicide bomber was hiding in the building. Four of the injured are police, one in grave conditions. The search operation recovered 6 claymore mines, 4 hand grenades and a suicide kit from the same area.
So far no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicions are concentrated on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Ltte), who are accused of coordinating other deadly attacks on the capital and in other areas throughout the country. Yesterday February 28, Sri Lankan troops killed 14 rebels in clashes in Mannar, North West of the island. Analysts link the escalation of violence and attacks against civilians to the governments official breaking off of the 2002 ceasefire signed with the rebels, on January 16th last.