09/09/2008, 00.00
SRI LANKA
Send to a friend

Army foils attack by Tamil Tigers

by Melani Manel Perera
Air force base is attacked by planes and artillery in main war zone. Air force fighters beat back rebels. The government expels humanitarian workers even though they are the main support for thousands of people displaced by an increasingly vicious war.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) launched an early morning attack on an army base in Vavuniya, the military headquarters for the Wanni region, and a nearby air force base. Ministry of Defence said the pre-dawn land and air attack was foiled.

The attack began with a ground assault with artillery fire and an air raid with the intention of causing severe damage to air force assets.

Radar picked up the signal from two LTTE planes as they approached. Fighter planes from the Katunayake air force base intercepted the in-coming enemy planes, downing one near Mullaittiyu, said military spokesman Brig Udaya Nanayakkara.

According to official sources at least 10 soldiers were killed and 15 wounded, mostly from artillery fire. No information is available about rebel casualties. The LTTE has not released any statement.

Lights and sound from anti-aircraft fire were visible from the nearby city of Vavuniya, where witnesses said the clash lasted about 20-30 minutes.

Recently Tamil Tigers have carried several air raids. Last month they struck a naval base in Trincomalee, killing four.

For experts the rebels are trying to stop increasing air raids by the Sri Lankan air force in the northern part of the country.

Although there are no hard figures about LTTE aircraft capabilities, satellite photos show several airstrips in the area under rebel control

Yesterday the government ordered all humanitarian workers to leave the area, saying it could no longer guarantee their safety.

NGOs are often the only support for tens of thousands of displaced people who lack shelter and means of support.

TAGs
Send to a friend
Printable version
CLOSE X
See also
Bishops appeal for aid as thousands are displaced by war
16/09/2008
Army issues ultimatum to Tamil Tigers
21/04/2009
Dead or alive, Tamil Tiger leader’s fate sealed
23/04/2009
Two Red Cross volunteers abducted in Colombo are killed
04/06/2007
Military retaliates after suicide bomb kills minister
07/04/2008


Newsletter

Subscribe to Asia News updates or change your preferences

Subscribe now
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”