SLAF raids major Tiger targets in Wanni

Sri Lankan Air Force fighter jets yesterday carried out successful missions targeting LTTE facilities in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Pooneryn. A terrorist gathering position east of Nachchikudha, Kilinochchi was targeted at 2.10 p.m. The air strike was made in support of advancing 58 Division troops, operating in the western Wanni battlefront, Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

SLAF MI-24 helicopter gunships launched an air strike at a pre-identified Sea Tiger camp at Kavitharamunai, in Pooneryn, west of Kilinochchi around 4.14 a.m. Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Nanayakkara said, the air assault was launched on information received from Jaffna military sources.

The Air Force said the Sea Tiger facility code-named ‘Kadal’ by the outfit, was severely damaged. The facility has been used by the LTTE for training and co-ordination of terrorist activities and as a launch pad for LTTE infiltration groups into the peninsula.

Air Force fighter jets also launched precision air strikes at an identified LTTE recruit training centre located west of Mankulama in Mullaittivu, at 10.20a.m. Pilots have confirmed a precision bombing that caused extensive damage to the facility.

Meanwhile, 17 LTTE terrorists were killed and five others wounded during fighting between troops and the LTTE in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts on Saturday.

Two soldiers have died in the confrontation and 13 others injured. In Navathkulama and Marathamadu, five terrorists were killed in Army attacks. Troops of Task Force -2 operating in Palamoddai and Navvi general areas have reported killing at least six terrorists and injuring two others.

Two soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. Two more LTTE terrorists were also killed during confrontations with troops at Navvi. Troops of the 59 Division took on LTTE positions north of Kiriibbanwewa, killing six terrorists and injuring three others. A soldier sustained injuries in an AP mine explosion in the same area.