Public vigilance spared many disasters - Military Spokesman

Rafik Jalaldeen

COLOMBO: Many LTTE attacks including three suicide attacks were foiled as a result of information provided by the public, Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said while further appealing to the public to be ever vigilant and assist the Security Forces to thwart any future attacks.

Addressing a media conference Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said the Security Forces were engaged in providing security to the public and as such the public should assist the Security Forces to maintain the security and safety of all citizens.

“We urge the public to be vigilant and give information to the security forces if they spot any suspicious movement or person”, he added.

The Security Forces engaged in clearing operations in the Wanni, North and East killed over 14 LTTE cadres and injured many more in clashes during the last three days.

The Security Forces clearing Madhu and West of the Omanthai FDL have come under LTTE small arms fire.

Two LTTE cadres were killed and many others injured when they attacked Troops during a clearing mission last morning in Madhu. Troops successfully repulsed the attack and recovered an arms cache following the incident, Brigadier Samarasinghe said.

He said four soldiers were killed and another injured in the incident.

Troops on a route clearing mission also killed over seven LTTE cadres in confrontations during the last 72 hours in Weli Oya.

The LTTE cadres fled the area amidst fierce fighting. A soldier was injured in the confrontations.

Meanwhile, the Security Forces liberating Thoppigala successfully repulsed a string of LTTE attacks during the past week.

LTTE cadres trapped in the Thoppigala jungle had no way of escape, Brigadier Samarasinghe said. “Following fierce fighting in the Thoppigala area, six LTTE child soldiers surrendered to the Security Forces”, he added.

The surrendered LTTE child soldiers told the Security Forces that Tiger leaders were desperate after a string of defeats in the North and East.

Troops on a clearing mission had opened a police station after a long period in Kokkodicholai four days ago. “Thoppigala civilians will be resettled in the near future soon after the reopening of the A5 road by the STF”, he added.

He also said three LTTE cadres were killed by the Security Forces when they tried to infiltrate the Muhamalai and Nagarkovil FDLs last week.