Friday, June 16, 2006

SLA attacks inside LTTE area on 1 June

On 1 June a claymore attack, carried out by the Sri Lankan Army, in Vedivaiththakal village in Nedunkerni in Vavuniya district, killed one LTTE auxiliary force member and injured another. Varothayan Sritharan was the person killed in the incident.

On the night of 1 June at 7.30 pm at the Kakayan Forward Defense Lines (FDL) in Vavuniya, SLA carried out a shelling attack killing one member of the LTTE.

(http://www.sibernews.com/)

Give up east, at what cost? by Dharmeratnam Sivaram

On Thursday the Tigers took four buses which ply between Batticaloa and Valaichenai. The incident occurred near the spot where more than forty soldiers were killed very recently. Troops were tense. Traffic was held up for a long time.

It was apparent that the army was worried that the buses had been taken for the purpose of mounting an attack on its exposed positions in the interior to the southwest or its semi- beleagured camps on the road from Chenkaladi to Valaichenai.
Many usually well informed local people were, however, of the opinion that the vehicles had been taken by the LTTE to transport villagers in areas under their control to meetings which are being held widely to mark the Annai Poopathy week.

On Friday the Tigers attacked the commandos of the elite Special Task Force at Pulukunawa, a remote village in the Ampara district, killing more than sixteen of them. Though there may be little connection between the attack and the hijacking of the buses, it is still difficult to rule out the distinct possibility of the vehicles being used in preparations for a major offensive in the east which in the LTTE's view may thoroughly tilt the military balance in the region in their favour.

The army on the road between Valaichenai and Chenkaladi might for sure heave a sigh of relief only in the event of the buses being recovered or returned in the near future without incident.

There are seven military camps between Valaichenai and Chenkalady - a distance of eight miles. Of these the camps at Kinnaiady and Kalmadu which is near Kalkudah, control vulnerable approaches to the main road from the sea and from the interior.

A camp was established at Kaluwankerni on the coast east of Vantharumoolai to control the increasing activities of the Sea Tigers in the area which had made the army's positions on Chenkaladi - Valaichenai road doubly vulnerable. Despite this the security forces have been taking very heavy casualties on this route. First, the army lost more than sixty five soldiers (according to a local body count) in an encounter at Santhiveli, after which a camp was set up near the place and then at Mavadivempu it took more forty five casulaties - which later increased to about fifty two.

Why is the army so vulnerable in this relatively small area despite having such a large number of camps? The answer to this will throw some light on the general security situation in this part of the island.

The control of the trunk road between Chenkaladi and Valaichenai, which is a vital segment of the Main Supply Route to the district on its north western side, is precarious because immediately to its west and to its north lie vast areas which are held by the LTTE. The area covered by the seven army camps is therefore like a fragile islet in a hostile wilderness.

It takes hours every day for the army to clear short distances on the road before it can allow any traffic, including its own, to pass. This daily routine has become quite dangerous now. It is also sapping the strength of the camps. Though this is a high risk area, the situation which obtains in other sectors of the Batticaloa district is more or less the same.

The military balance in Batticaloa can be tentatively described as follows: The government is trying to ensure its hold on the district despite withdrawing a substantial number of troops to the north, by controlling three of the five strategic access routes to the region.

The three area, the Welikanda - Batticaloa road, the Kalmunai - Batticaloa road and the network of narrow dust roads from the Central Camp - Bakkiella area in the Ampara district to Mandoor and Vellaveli in the Batticaloa district.
The other vital access routes - the road from Maha Oya to Chenkaladi is under the full control of the LTTE beyond the derelict village of Pullumalai. The coastal road from Mutur to Batticaloa is in the hands of the Tigers between Kiliveddi and Kayankerni which is a few kilometers north of Valaichenai.

The three main access routes which are under the control of the security forces are under constant pressure from the Tigers who hold the hinterlands on the edges of which these routes lie.

The Welikanda - Batticaloa road is held by the army and the other two access routes are supervised by the STF. The strength of the army and the STF in their respective areas of operation seems to be adequate only to keep the routes precariously safe enough to ensure civilian and military traffic during daytime. They do not obviously have the ability or power to 'soften' LTTE positions in the hinterlands.

The security forces have engaged in major offensives like Operation Rivikirana and small scale Special Forces operations in the hinterlands to take the pressure of the three access routes. The massacre of twenty-six STF commandos in Vellaveli and the attack at Vantharumoolai show that the major offensives which were aimed at destroying the LTTE's military potential in the interior quite substantially, have had no effect.

Such offensives in the past were meant to keep the Tigers on the run, giving them little time between one major operation and the other to regroup and reestablish vital supply bases and sources.

Despite reports in the press that the recent big operations into the Tiger held hinterlands - the most popular in the military communique being Thoppigala have been quite successful in dispersing the LTTE. The pressure keeps increasing almost daily on the access routes which are under security forces control. Ex-Tamil militants who have undertaken deep penetration operation into the Thoppigala area say that the LTTE maintains vast base complexes there with permanent concrete structures which do not, according to them, seem to have been touched by artillery fire.

The LTTE's military network is so large in this area and supplemented by widely-strewn groups of auxillary forces that it is virtually impossible to score a hit and make a safe withdrawal they say. Although this may be the case in the Thoppigala and Vakarai regions, Special Forces operations have been somewhat more successful in bringing some pressure on the LTTE's mobility in the Paduvankarai hinterland.

This is mainly due to the influence which the Mohan's group still retains there. Special Forces Ops are carried out on a smaller scale by other Tamil groups as well.

In Eelam War Two the Mohan group operating with commandos of the Special Forces regiment were quite successful in bringing the LTTE's activities in Paduvankarai almost to a standstill after it ambushed and killed serveral key Tiger leaders including David.

Special Forces Ops are facilitated greatly in this region by the pervasive intelligence network cultivated and maintained by Mohan and his boys. They have an exceptionally large number of informants, infiltrators and moles who help them pick their targets with extreme precision. They have also been able to place explosive devices in Tiger camps.

But the LTTE seems to have become really alarmed after Mohan ambushed and killed Kalanesan and another Tiger who was travelling with him. Kalanesan was at that time believed to be the chief of LTTE's civilian intelligence organisation. It was discovered later, according to Mohan's associates, that the person who was killed along with Kalanesan, was Tharma, supposed to be the most senior operative in the LTTE's intelligence wing in the district.

Such S.F. operations being the most effective way of hitting at the LTTE now, Mohan has become indispensable to the government which at one time cried foul, at the work of his 'handlers' in the military intelligence like 'Captain Munaz'.
It has to therefore turn a blind eye to some of his non-military activities which in the past drew flak from human rights groups. However, the withdrawal of the larger portion of the Special Forces regiments to the north for the purpose of carrying on a counter insurgency campaign against the LTTE in the Valikamam sector and the closure almost all the camps in the interior, have now placed severe limitations on the operations of the Mohan group.

This has been further compounded by the manner in which the LTTE has devised its counter strategy.
Firstly, the Tigers withdrew all their important leaders to bases in the deep jungles about which Mohan and the military intelligence seem to have very scanty information. This happened soon after the killing of Tharma and Kalanesan. It was widely reported at that time that Karikalan, who was the most prominent of those who were 'withdrawn' thus, had been recalled to Jaffna by the Tiger leadership which was not happy with his statements to the press.

Karikalan in fact never went to Jaffna but remained in one of the remote base complexes, appearing regularly to meet the public at the LTTE office in Vakarai. No one it should be pointed out here, is able to carry out Special Forces operations in the vast Vakarai region.

There are few or no ex-Tamil militants or LTTE surrendees who know the area or who can cultivate a stable network of informants and infiltrators. This makes the Vakarai region virtually free of the deep penetration operations which seem to be a greater headache to the LTTE than large scale offensives.

Secondly, the LTTE has taken to road and area clearing operations before they permit their leaders to move into places considered vulnerable to S.F. ambush and attack. The public have to sometimes wait till eleven thirty in the morning at the LTTE office in Arasadythivu near Kokkaddicholai to meet officials.

One rarely comes across key Tiger leaders in the Paduvankarai region now. But one can see many ordinary cadres going about on motorbykes - some of which were captured from the army in Koduvamadu near Chenkaladi.
The LTTE has also made matters worse for Special Forces Ops by deploying auxiliary forces drawn from the large population of dispossessed paddy and chena cultivators in the hinterlands who were driven out of their lands during Eelam War Two by the army which believed that the prevention of cultivation could deprive the Tigers of essential food supplies - a method which appears to have worked in South America and Malasiya.

The presence of these militias which are armed with the FLN self-loading rifles now considered redundant by the LTTE, according to Mohan's boys, has made safe withdrawals after attacks in the interior virtually impossible in certain regions. They also say that LTTE surrendees are of little use these days because they (surrendees) do not know much about the key camps in the interior.

Therefore, with the major offensives not producing the desired effect in the hinterlands and with the S.F. operations losing their former impact, the task of taking the steadily increasing pressure on the three access routes to the Batticaloa district, off has become impossible. On the other hand the LTTE has made the following gains:

a) undisputed control of all the strategic hinterlands of the district plus the southern extreme of the Trincomalee district which is contiguous with Vakarai.
b) the ability to destabilise the three main supply routes at will, an ability which may eventually become power to interdict all military movement on them if the government were to concentrate in the north for a sufficiently long period.
c) the control of a large stretch of coast south of Ilankaithurai Muhathuvaram in Trincomalee district to north of the Kalkudah bay.
d) Recruitment. The Tigers have opened three recruitment centres (called Puthiya Poralihal Inaiyum Seyalaham in Tamil) in the Kokkaddicholay, Arasadithivu and Paddipalai. In recent months 47 boys and girls have joined the organisation from the village of Kokkaddicholai alone. A steady flow of recruits is reported from almost all the villages in the hinterlands.

This briefly is the fate of all the vast investments that the military made in pacifying the east between 1990 and 1994. Can the new investment made in the Jaffna peninsula yield dividends which can offset the abandonment of the vast investment of military resources in the east?

Two Tigers stalwarts killed in an uncleared area

A Claymore bomb attack at Iluppadichenai which is an uncleared area 8km from Batticaloa on a jeep in which Wanni Tigers were traveling had two Tigers stalwarts killed. They are said to have come from Wanni on the direction from Bhanu. The jeep has been completely destroyed and five Tiger terrorists who were traveling in it are said to have been killed.

Karuna Faction has carried out this attack about 10:45 last night.

(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2006/June/20060616/20060616_6.htm)

Army denies false propaganda by Tiger terrorists

The pro-Tiger Tamilnet website on 14.06.06 carried a highly dubious news story titled “Claymore attack averted in Vanni, 3 dead in gunfire”.

The report alleges that “Tamil Auxiliaries” on a road clearing patrol recovered a body of a person who they claim to be a soldier of the Sri Lankan Army (SLA). They say the soldier was killed during an exchange of fire between Nainamadu and Puliyankulam on the Nedunkerni road on Tuesday (13 June).

It also reports “The Auxiliaries seized boots and ammunitions” allegedly used by the Deep Penetration Unit of the Sri Lanka Army.

Also found by the Auxiliaries was one bag with ‘SLA’ markings.

The news report carried two photographs of the equipment and of the body.

It is an open secret that the Tigers are in possession of equipment and other military hardware including communication equipment captured from SLA during past operations against Security Forces.

Apparently the Tigers have used a few of these very same items for their advantage to justify their claim.

This is one of the innumerable instances the Tigers have attempted to tarnish the image of the Sri Lanka Security Forces in the eyes of the international community.

On June 12th an Officer was reported missing from the Forward Defence Line (FDL) Omanthai. On June 05th another Officer was reported missing from Vavuniya.

The possibility of the body to be that of one of the missing cannot be ruled out. The Tigers have a long history of resorting to the abduction of both military and civilians.

The above incident reported on 14.06.06 by the pro-Tiger media could be linked to another instance of their fabrication and false propaganda drive.

(www.lankatruth.com)

DPU agent killed, one captured, two trapped in Batticaloa

Two Sri Lankan Deep Penetration Unit attackers, who fled Illuppadichenai, a Liberation Tigers controlled territory 17 km west off Batticaloa, were chased by the Tigers, after a Claymore attack Thursday 9:30 p.m. The DPU personnel went hiding into the Pankudaveli jungle close to the Batticaloa lagoon. Later, Sri Lanka Army dispatched a DPU rescue team of two, from Eravur towards the Pankudaveli jungle across the Batticaloa lagoon, in boats. LTTE cadres gunned down one of the two rescue DPU team members and the other was captured alive by the Tigers around 2:20 a.m. Friday, Batticaloa District Political Head Daya Mohan said.

The two DPU attackers were still hiding in the jungle area. A cordon and search operation by the Tiger cadres was going on, Mr. Daya Mohan said.

The rescue team of the DPU, was attacked as they crossed the Batticaloa lagoon.

The Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP), known as the Deep Penetration Unit (DPU), was given instructions to attack civilian targets, the captive has told the Tigers, according to Mr. Daya Mohan.

The DPU attacker in LTTE custody, has also revealed that their team was behind the Claymore attack, last week, in Pattipalai and another attack, at Thandiyadi Maveerar cemetary in Batticaloa.

The DPU rescue team had gone to the Tamils Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) office in Batticaloa earlier on Thursday and robbed the office, according to the captured LRRP attacker.

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission officials would be contacted Friday morning with the details from the captured Deep Penetrating Unit member, Daya Mohan further said.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18526)

Another penetrating SLA soldier gunned down, Claymore attack averted

Liberation Tigers cadres gunned down a Deep Penetration Unit soldier of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Thursday morning in LTTE controlled Puliyankulam Nedunkerni Road between Mathiyamadu and Nainamadu, LTTE officials told media. The dead body of a SLA soldier who was wearing LTTE uniform was handed over to the ICRC officials at the request of Vanni command of the Sri Lankan forces, the Tigers further said.

Vavuniya district Political Head of the LTTE, Gnanam, handed over the dead body of the Sri Lankan DPU trooper to the ICRC officials. SLMM officials were also present at the Vavuniya district political secretariat of the LTTE in Puliyankulam where the body was handed over to the ICRC, sources added.

Meanwhile, a pickup vehicle narrowly escaped from a Claymore attack Thursday morning in Puliankulam area, Tamileelam Police sources in Kilinochhci said.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18515)

SLA soldier from DPU gunned down, Claymore attack averted

Liberation Tigers cadres shot dead a Deep Penetration Unit (DPU) soldier of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Thursday morning in LTTE controlled Puliyankulam Nedunkerni Road between Mathiyamadu and Nainamadu, LTTE officials told media. The dead body of a SLA soldier who was wearing LTTE uniform was handed over to the ICRC officials at the request of Vanni command of the Sri Lankan forces, the Tigers further said.

Vavuniya district Political Head of the LTTE, Gnanam, handed over the dead body of the Sri Lankan DPU trooper to the ICRC officials. SLMM officials were also present at the Vavuniya district political secretariat of the LTTE in Puliyankulam where the body was handed over to the ICRC, sources added.

Meanwhile, a pickup vehicle narrowly escaped from a Claymore attack Thursday morning in Puliankulam area, Tamileelam Police sources in Kilinochchi said.

(images)

(images)

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18515)

Second SLA soldier killed in LTTE area while trying to lay claymore mine

For the second time in three days, on 15 June, a gun battle ensued between the LTTE and an Sri Lankan Army Deep Penetration Unit that was attempting to lay claymore in LTTE area between Mathiyamadi and Nayinamadu on the Puliyankulam-Nedunkerni road in Vavuniya district.

One SLA soldier was killed. His body is presently in Kilinochchi in preparation for handing over to the SLA tomorrow.

The dead soldier was wearing striped LTTE uniform like the other SLA soldier killed two days ago in LTTE area of Vavuniya district.

In the meantime a claymore attack by the SLA DPU in Kanagarayankulam in Vavuniya did not cause any damage. Several items left behind by the SLA team were found near the site.

(http://www.sibernews.com/the-news/tamileelam/second-sla-soldier-killed-in-ltte-
area-while-trying-to-lay-claymore-mine-200606154598/)

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

ARMY COUNTERS FALSE PROPAGANDA BY TIGER TERRORISTS

The pro-LTTE media on 14.06.06 carried a highly dubious news story titled “Claymore attack averted in Vanni, 3 dead in gunfire”.

The report alleges that “Tamil Auxiliaries” on a road clearing patrol recovered a body of a male purported to be a Sri Lankan Army (SLA) soldier killed during an exchange of fire between Nainamadu and Puliyankulam on the Nedunkerni road on Tuesday (13 June).
It also reports “The Auxiliaries seized boots and ammunitions” allegedly used by the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) of the Sri Lanka Army.

Also found by the Auxiliaries was ONE bag with ‘SLA’ markings.
The news report carried two photographs of the equipment and one of the body.
It is an open secret that the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) are in possession of equipment and other military hardware including communication equipment captured from SLA during past operations against Security Forces.
Apparently the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) have used a few of these very same items for their advantage to justify their case.

This is one of the innumerable instances the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) have attempted to tarnish the image of the Sri Lanka Security Forces in the eyes of the international community.
On June 12th an Officer was reported missing from the Forward Defence Line (FDL) Omanthai. On June 05th another Officer was reported missing from Vavuniya.

The possibility of the body as one of the missing cannot be ruled out. The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) has a long history of resorting to the abduction of both military and civilians.
The above incident reported on 14.06.06 by the pro-LTTE media could be linked to another instance of LTTE fabrication and false propaganda.

(http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=858)

Eight killed in the north

International truce monitors say that they expect Tamil Tigers to hand over the body of the alleged Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldier killed in rebel-held territory on Tuesday.

The LTTE said two of their members and a Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldier were killed near Vavuniya in the rebel-held territory.

There has been a gunfire between the SLA and the LTTE in the area, Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) spokesman Thorfinnur Omarsson told BBC Sandeshaya.

Monitors who visited the scene have reported that the alleged SLA soldiers were not wearing military uniforms.


Setting up claymore mines

The SLMM is to make a ruling on the incident after receiving the body, Omarsson said.

But the SLA rejected LTTE claims that their soldiers entered rebel-held territory to set up claymore mines.

“Two soldiers have been abducted by the LTTE in last few days,” military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe told bbcsinhala.com.

Rejecting the LTTE claims, he said it one of those soldiers might have been killed in Vavuniya.

"It will only be clear when we recieve the body".

Transporting drugs

Meanwhile, Major Kamal Kariyawasam has been arrested in Vavuniya while transporting 15kg of drugs.

Describing it as “a disgrace” Brig. Samarasinghe said he should be brought into a military court.

In Jaffna, a soldier was killed by a sniper and an LTTE member was shot dead in Jaffna.

The spokesman accused the LTTE pistol group of killing a 56-year old civilian near Jaffna hospital.

Two home guards have been killed in Vavuniya, he added.

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2006/06/printable/060614_sla_ltte.shtml)

Sri Lankan soldier in Tiger uniform (Tamilnet)

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Communication equipment of the DPU team (Tamilnet)

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SLA backpack kits (Tamilnet)

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Three killed in clash between LTTE and Sri Lankan forces

Tamil Tiger rebels attacked Government soldiers who were planting land mines in rebel-held territory in northern Sri Lanka, sparking a gunbattle that killed two guerrillas and a soldier, the rebels and a truce monitor said Wednesday.

The clash occurred Tuesday in Nedunkerny village, the rebels said on their Web site.

Thorfinnur Omarsson, a spokesman for the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, a group of independent European cease-fire monitors, said ``it is apparently true'' that soldiers dressed in rebel uniforms were planting Claymore anti-personnel mines in the village.

Two rebels and one Government soldier were killed in the clash while four other soldiers escaped unhurt, he said.

However, military spokesman Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe accused the rebels of fabricating the incident and falsely accusing the soldiers of bearing arms in rebel territory -- a violation of a 2002 cease-fire agreement.

``This is totally fabricated,'' Samarasinghe said. ``We totally deny'' that armed soldiers were in the rebel-held village.

The government and the rebels have blamed each other for a recent spike in attacks that threatens the fragile truce.

Hundreds of government soldiers and dozens of Tamil Tigers have been killed since April, but both sides deny responsibility for the violence.

The Tamil Tiger rebels began fighting for a separate homeland in 1983, accusing the majority Sinhalese of discrimination. More than 65,000 people were killed before the cease-fire.

(http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200606141340.htm)

Soldier missing from Omanthai FDL since Tuesday

An army soldier has been reportedly missing from the Omanthai Forward Defence Line (FDL) since Tuesday morning (13th of June). The missing soldier was supposed to report on duty at a listening post on the FDL for the Midnight shift. A search operation has been continuing to trace the missing soldier.

Claymore attack averted in Vanni, 3 dead in gunfire

Members of Tamil auxilliary brigade on a road clearing patrol on Nedunkerni road, between Nainamadu and Puliyankulam, inside the Liberation Tigers controlled area intercepted a team of Deep Penetration Unit (DPU) troopers of the Sri Lanka Army, who were fixing 3 Claymore mines. Two Tamil auxilliaries and an SLA soldier were killed when both exchanged gunfire. At least one bag with "SLA" mark was recovered from the attackers, according to the video footage released by the National Television of Tamileelam (NTT). The SLA soldier killed was clad in LTTE uniform. The clash took place around 11:00 a.m. Tuesday.

The body of the SLA trooper was captured by the auxilliaries.

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission officials inspected the clash site and the body of the DPU trooper who was killed in the firefight.

Commander Velevan of the LTTE explained the details of the DPU planned Claymore attack that was averted.

The auxilliaries seized tools and ammunition used by the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) troops of the the Sri Lanka Army. LRRP is also known as Deep Penetration Unit.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18491)

Monday, June 12, 2006

Twenty one tamil tigers killed in mine attacks

At least 21 people were killed and 20 others injured in mine attacks carried out by government forces in the island's embattled north-east during the past six days, Tamil Tiger rebels have claimed.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said government troops infiltrated areas held by the guerrillas and staged the devastating attacks, a claim rejected by the military.

However, there had been several reports of Claymore mine attacks in areas held by the Tigers.

Both sides had stepped up attacks and counter attacks in the past six months during which at least 680 people have been killed despite a truce that is in place since February 2002.

A government soldier was killed today in a mine attack the military blamed on the Tiger rebels.

(http://www.daijiworld.com/home.asp)

LTTE political official sniped and killed in Batticaloa

A Sri Lanka Army sniper shot and killed Batticaloa Kudumbimalai Political Coordinator Ramanitharan in Murakkoddanchenai Saturday morning around 9:45 a.m., LTTE's Batticaloa District Political Head Daya Mohan said. The incident took place at Thihiliveddai, a hamlet across the lagoon from Santhiveli, about 24 kilometers north of Batticaloa.

The Sri Lanka Army sniper had targeted the LTTE official from the SLA controlled area beyond the lagoon, from Murakkoddanchenai.

Captian Ramanitharan (Vadivel Kangatharan), 28, is from Thihiliveddai.

Ramanitharan's body was taken in procession from Thihiliveddai to the burial site at Tharavai Heroes' cemetary and burried with military honours Sunday evening, Daya Mohan said.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18477)

Vavuniya North DS wounded, driver killed in Claymore attack

Sri Lanka Army Deep Penetration Unit exploded a Claymore mine seriously wounding the driver of the vehicle in which Vavuniya North Divisional Secretary was riding in the LTTE controlled Mathiyamadu village. The driver, N. Balasingam, seriously wounded in the attack and rushed to Vavuniya hospital, succumbed to his wounds while being transferred to Anuradhapura hospital, medical sources said.

The Divisional Secretary, Mr. Pathmanathan, was wounded.

Meanwhile, a Claymore attack targeted devotees traveling to Vatrapalai temple festival on Nedunkerny Mulliavalai Road around 12:50 p.m. Monday. No casualties were reported.

The escalating Sri Lankan penetration attacks have targeted civilian travellers inside LTTE controlled territory.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18478)

LTTE Injures Tamil Asst. Divisional Secretary and Four Others in MULLAITTIVU

LTTE Terrorist has exploded yet another claymore mine in un-cleared areas off NEDUNKERNI, MULLAITTIVU injuring a Tamil Assistant Divisional Secretary, his driver and three others Monday (12th June) morning around 9.15 a.m.

The victims were traveling in a double cab when the terrorists exploded the mine in NEDUNKERNI.

The most seriously injured were KADIRAMALANADAN PASANTHAMAN, Assistant Divisional Secretary, NEDUNKERNI and his driver who were rushed to COLOMBO for further treatment.

It is suspected that the terrorists set off the mine after they identified the vehicle as one that does not belong to them.

The incident has exposed the Tiger policy of killing anyone entering "their" territory and shifting the blame on the Security Forces.

(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20060612_04)

A claymore mine explosion killed two civilians, SLMM reports MANNAR police

SLMM has informed MANNAR police that two civilians were killed due to a claymore mine explosion at PERIYAMADU in the LTTE dominated area today (08th) around 12.50 p.m. The two victims include an engineer who had been employed in an irrigational project in the area. However, the police came to know about the incident as the SLMM reports received around 7.30p.m. (08th).

Further, the SLMM sources confirmed that LTTE was planning to hand over the two dead bodies to Government Agent in MANNAR tomorrow (09th).

(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20060608_10)

Pro LTTE media comes up with its latest innovation: Deep penetration unit (DPU) of Sri Lanka Army by Kalayani Diyasena

Amidst of the ever worsening leadership crisis in the organization Pro LTTE media are desperately looking for new strategies to cover up truth of the attacks carried out by the LTTE itself, contrary to the view of some senior political leaders in the organization.

Having failed in their previous strategies i.e; Para Military Issue and then the alleged Extra Judicial Killings; the innovative minds behind Pro Terror media have come up with their latest innovation- a "Deep Penetration Unit "to Sri Lanka Army. This latest addition to Sri Lanka Army have been created by Pro LTTE media as a measure for avoiding the responsibility coming to the parent organization of the recent wave of attacks .

Unfortunately, the behaviors of the LTTEs Political wing headed by Mr. Thamiselvan, Military wing headed by Mr. Prabhakaran (or possibly Mr. Soosai) and Intelligence wing headed by Mr. Pottu Amman do not seem to provide any support to the Pro Terror media strategies, in their painful struggle to prevent the reality of the LTTE coming out.

After reaching to OSLO whilst enjoying VIP treatments offered by the government, LTTE political heads, now hesitate to negotiate with the government. Perhaps they might not know what to negotiate when their military leaders are out of control in Wanni. But for obvious reasons the LTTE political delegation would love to stay in Oslo than to go back to Wanni; where they know the "Maniac" waiting for them.

Mr. Pottu Amman, the master mind behind LTTE's "intelligent" operation and the " man behind the scene" of all pro LTTE media, operating overseas and in the country itself (including the "Head" media network and "Leader" publishers), seems to lost in old world war II stories on covert operations. Having failed to locate Colonel Karuna, Mr. Amman and his mob go on berserk killing everyone that has a different view form LTTE's, calling them to be pro Karuna people. His well planned dramas of "Manthivu Killings" and "Allaippidy massacre" also failed to yield sufficient results as they could not get the support of the Tamil civilians in the area. Mr. Aman has a personal war to fight, thus he has very little interest in bringing peace to Tamil community.

Mr. Soosai, the happiest man in the world since Colonel Karuna estranged, has begun to emulate his beloved role model, Adolph Hitler. Hoarding innocent civilians by the rule of the bullet, ordering them to run few miles and arm them with clubs , Mr. Soosai and his mob train them how to smash a child's head when they are sent on future " Mission" in Sinhalese or Muslim villages . Mr. Soosai has become so belligerent it seems; his mobs continue with small scale attacks to the FDL and carryout out claymore explosion using innocent civilians but without success and with heavy losses. Mr. Soosai has no interest in achieving lasting peace, he only needs the ceasefire, since it gives him more opportunity to score more marks from the leadership. Why should he worry about the lives of the Tamil people, he never goes to war anyway. Recently at one of his ridiculous ceremony of graduating innocent civilians with clubs and red head bands, he boasted "The Sinhalese will not understand when you say something normally, but if you make the Sinhalese to understand in the proper way then they will begin to understand."

Many claymore mines were exploded and many were killed in both government controlled areas and in the LTTE dominated areas, just after LTTE delegation left OSLO. Ironically, LTTE accuses security forces for all these crimes. Of course, the security forces must bear the responsibility for their inability to prevent such attacks in the areas under their control, but how they can possibly stop the violence in LTTE dominated areas, when the present cease fire agreement does not allow security forces to enter in to those areas.

Above all, if Sri Lanka Army can proceed to those locations far behind the LTTE defence line as they(LTTE) accuse, the deterioration of the command structure of LTTE is much more than ever anticipated by the defence analysts.

(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20060609_04)

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Top LTTE commander responsible for mine attacks killed in explosion

A top Tiger guerrilla commander responsible for claymore attacks against the Naval Forces in Manna is killed in a claymore mine explosion in the LTTE controlled areas in Mannar.

Mahenthi, Lt Colonel in the LTTE’s rank and three others were killed when their vehicle was caught in clay more mine in Vellankulam- Thunnukkai road this morning.

Mahenthi was believed to have spearheaded the claymore mine attacks against naval convoys since the November last year.

Military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe denied any security force involvement in the explosion, which took place deep inside uncleared areas in Mannar.

(http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/519)

Vankalai massacre avenged....LTTE leader in Mannar has been assassinated

Pro LTTE media says that the big terrorist in Mannar area, named Mahenthi along with three more LTTE terrorists have been killed in a claymore mine attack, somewhere on Vellankulam - Thunukkai Road on Saturday morning (10th). The reports further make the usual allegation that Sri Lanka Army "DPU" was responsible for this attack along with many other attacks carried out, deep in the LTTE dominated area. It is apparent that Army "DPU" has almost captured Kilinochchi!!!!

Meanwhile the civilian sources revealed that this assassination was done by an advisory of LTTE to avenge the brutal massacre in VANKALAI on 08th June. It was reported earlier that Mr. Moorthy Martin the head of the family killed in Vankalai was suspected by LTTE for having connections with one of their adversary group which had set a Claymore mine targeting Mahenthi on 08th June at PERIYAMADU in LTTE dominated area.

Hoverer, Mr. Mahenthi had narrowly escaped from the claymore mine attack, but the whole family of Mr. Moorthi was assassinated in the most barbaric manner, to ensure that no adversary party would ever think of threatening Mr. Mahenthi's life.

But the affect of LTTE's barbarism seemed to yield unexpected results; Mr Mahenthi and his friends could only save their lives for two days after the brutal crime, even in their safe heaven in Wanni.

Meanwhile, all Pro LTTE media elements are all-out in accusing the Army "DPU" for all the misfortunes of their parent organization. One of their reports has gone to en extent that it charges the imaginary "DPU" for a claymore attack in Nadunkerni, at the door step of Mulativu. No wonder if these intelligent media units go on accusing this "DPU" even when their leader gets a mosquito bite at his hiding place.

It is still doubtful whether these media men by themselves, believe the story of "DPU" issue or they simply cannot accept the truth of the existence of adversary elements to LTTE.

Has everyone suddenly forgotten the existence of Karuna factor?

The quest for International sympathy....The "Sole Representative's Tamil blood thirst" satisfied at Vankalai?

The LTTE's big brain has done it again. The same drama LTTE enacted at Manthivu, Jafffna and followed by a more bloody version at Allaipiddy, Kayts has now been enacted in the most bloodiest and treacherous manner at Vankalai, last night (8th). Four members of innocent Tamil family were brutally assassinated in the barbaric fashion only practiced by the LTTE terrorists. The four victims include two small children of age 7 and 9, and their parents.

The terrorists have hacked them, shot them and later they were hanged to give a lesson to other villages, of the consequences of disobeying the "sole representative". More evidence can be found in the LTTE's own web site which sells own blood to the cheapest price.

It has been reveled that the LTTE had identified the father(Mr SINNAIYAH MOORTHI MARTIN of 38) of the family as an informant of their adversary group and alleged him for involving in the recent claymore mine attack in Periyamadu in Mannar (in the LTTE dominated area) where a senior LTTE cadre had narrowly escaped. Further, The LTTE cadres had reportedly made several threats to the father (Mr:SINNAIYAH MOORTHI MARTIN) accusing him to having cordial relationships with the security forces.

However, Sri Lanka Army has vehemently denied the abominable effort of LTTE to make security forces responsible for the killings. The Army media spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinhe told media that the security forces had no involvement in the killings and explained the hidden motives of LTTE by carrying out such brutal killings of innocent Tamil civilians. LTTE is desperately looking for the international sympathy towards the organization by tarnishing the image of the security forces. The Army will never do such barbaric crimes, he added.

Meanwhile, the Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told media that the recent pattern of behavior of LTTE has a direct bearing towards the crime. The security forces have no valid reason to get involved in such brutal crime. It is the LTTE who gets the advantage, if succeed in their propaganda accusing the government forces. However, Minister Rambukwella elaborated the necessity of conducting proper investigation to the incident, saying that he would not directly accuse LTTE for the crime until more sound evidence obtained.

The rising international pressure and continuous loss of civilian support and emerging of adversary parties seemed to push the LTTE leadership to a limit that he has begun to unleash his violence towards the Tamil community as well. Now, it is not the Sinhalese or Muslims that have the greatest threat from this maniacal organization but the Tamils themselves. Save the Tamils from the "Sole Representative".

(http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items06/120606-1.html)

The SLMM report that shocked the Govt.

ollowing is the text of the latest SLMM report which shocked the government and prompted an angry response from it.

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) Implementation of the Agreements Reached Between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers at the Geneva Talks the 22-23 February 2006

1. Preamble

The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) met in Geneva 22-23 February 2006 for talks on the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA). The GOSL and the LTTE committed themselves to respect and uphold the CFA and reconfirmed their commitment to fully cooperate with and respect the rulings of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). The GOSL and the LTTE also pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure that there will be no intimidation, acts of violence, abductions or killings.

The LTTE committed themselves to take all necessary measures to ensure that there will be no acts of violence against the security forces and police. The GOSL on the other hand committed itself to take all necessary measures in accordance with the CFA to ensure that no armed group or person other than Government security forces will carry arms or conduct armed operations in GOSL controlled areas. GOSL and LTTE discussed all issues concerning the welfare of children in the North East, including the recruitment of children.

It was agreed that SLMM will report on implementation of the above agreements at the next session of talks in Geneva on 19-21 April 2006.

This report is an assessment based on information collected by SLMM Monitors, including information on alleged and confirmed violations of the CFA and the Parties compliance to SLMM determinations with special attention to the defined period 24 February - 28 May 2006.

A significant increase of complaints lodged by the Parties was noted following the decision that SLMM would present a report at the next round of talks. However, it should be mentioned that it has been somewhat difficult for SLMM to inquire into what comes across as being rather vague and general accusations with only few concrete facts. SLMM has not yet been able to determine all complaints recorded during the period as more time is needed to finalize the inquiries in a professional manner and to allow respective Parties to respond to the allegations. As such, this report will analyze the situation in a broader perspective and recommend measures which could strengthen the implementation of the CFA.

2. GOSL and LTTE overall commitment to the CFA

The period started with a positive atmosphere and steps were taken to further normalize the situation. The presence of soldiers in town centers and the amount of checkpoint decreased and the population living in the North and Northeast became much more hopeful for the future.

Attempts were made to restart LTTE political activities in GOSL controlled areas but too much distrust prevailed between the Parties and so the GOSL was not willing to provide unlimited access to LTTE political cadres as they feared that they would engage in clandestine activities. LTTE also pushed for a resumption of organized transport of LTTE cadres through GOSL controlled areas including LTTE sea movements.

SLMM made several attempts to facilitate a meeting in Kilinochchi between local LTTE leaders, a prerequisite set by LTTE to ensure their participation in the Geneva II talks. However, neither GOSL nor LTTE could reach an agreement on the transportation. The transportation issue has now reached a complete deadlock, thus postponing the Geneva II talks.

Although the level of violence decreased drastically after the decision was taken to resume high-level talks, the situation became very tense again following the assassination of the Trincomalee District President of Tamil Peoples Forum on April 7, 2006. The killing triggered a resumption of attacks against the GOSL forces, which began with hand grenade and claymore mine attacks, notably in the East. However, this soon escalated into more high profile attacks such as the suicide attack against Commander of the Army Lt. Gen Fonseka on 25 April, and the Sea Tiger attack on a SLN Dvora on 11 May to mention but a few. GOSL showed restraint to begin with, but as the seriousness of the incidents increased, so did GOSL's response, which led to additional violence and suffering of the civilian population.

As a result of the recent escalation in violence the CFA has been put under heavy pressure and the parties' lack of commitment is to be considered highly critical.
Security forces cordoning off Army Headquarters after the attack on the Army Chief in April



3 Intimidation, acts of violence, abductions and killings by GOSL and LTTE

The level of intimidation and harassment of civilians increased with the resumption of attacks against the security forces, forcing people to seek shelter in schools, churches and temples. These places of shelter have lately become a target as well, notably in Trincomalee where the tension between civilian Tamils and Sinhalese is particularly high following a bomb explosion in a market frequented mostly by Sinhalese. The following riots killed at least 20, mostly Tamils.

The fishing restrictions enforced by the GOSL continued to impose a serious problem for the fisherman in the North and Northeast. GOSL initially relaxed some of the limitations but later imposed additional restriction as force protection measures.

Mr. Vigneswaran, the District President of Tamils People Forum in Trincomalee, was assassinated outside the bank where he worked on 7 April. The cold blooded killing of this prominent member of the Tamil society close to major police and defence installations raised serious doubts about GOSL capability to maintain law and order.

There had only been few attacks against the security forces or police during the initial six weeks after the Geneva Talks. However following the abovementioned killing the attacks resumed again on April 8, 2006 when a claymore mine targeted an Army truck in Jaffna. This attack was followed by a series of mine and bomb attacks mostly targeted at the SLA and SLN. The security forces and police were attacked more than 141 times in the past seven weeks resulting in at least 88 serviceman killed in action. The number of attacks, the tactics used, the target and the geographic dimension pointed out the LTTE as the most likely perpetrator. It does however not rule out that some attacks might have been executed by some other actors or that they could be cover operations. The attacks were a very serious violation of the CFA.

LTTE forward defence localities or convoys in the East were attacked a number of times throughout the period resulting in the death of at least 19 LTTE cadres. Mid-April, five claymore mine attacks in LTTE controlled Vanni killed five civilians and two LTTE cadres. There was also extended exchange of fire between SLA and LTTE across the zone of separation on several occasions.

At least 223 civilians were killed during the reporting period: In Jaffna more than 43 civilian were assassinated since April 10 in a virtual campaign of targeted killings. On several occasions these killings took place within close vicinity of permanent SF presence. Yet, they denied witnessing any of these killings. The killings followed a pattern where gunmen approached the victim at his house, called him out and shot him. In May two grave incidents demonstrated a new development where gunmen target groups of civilians instead of individuals.

On May 2, a group of gunmen entered a newspaper office, shot dead the marketing manager and injured two others by shooting randomly at the employees. On May 13, three gunmen entered a private house and shot dead 8 civilians, including two children.

The fighting between, LTTE and the Karuna faction in the Batticaloa District lead to at least 25 civilian casualties, of which some were most likely Karuna cadres. On April 30, a Karuna camp in Batticaloa district came under attack by LTTE. According to LTTE, 20 Karuna cadres were killed and several injured. Ten wounded Karuna Cadres were brought to a Governmental Hospital, but SLMM were denied access to them by GOSL. Furthermore tension in Vavuniya, partly believed to have been related to extortion and armed groups, killed at least 21 civilians. Even though it is difficult to verify, it is likely that many of the civilians killed were actually members or supporters of either the LTTE or an armed group, thus directly related to the conflict.

On April 23, a suicide bomber exploded herself in the very near vicinity of the commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lt. Gen Fonseka. The explosion took place within the army headquarters in Colombo. Nine persons were killed and 27 wounded in this attack. The incident clearly bears the hallmark of LTTE.

In retaliation, Sri Lanka Armed forces on April 25 and 26 attacked the LTTE-controlled area of Sampur and Ilakkantai, by using air and artillery capabilities to strike military and political targets of the LTTE.

Approximately 15 civilians were killed in these actions. The number of LTTE cadres killed in these strikes is unknown as LTTE has not revealed these findings to SLMM.

4 Presence and activities of armed groups

Continued attacks on LTTE forward defence localities throughout the period showed that one or more armed groups were actively engaged in offensive operations against the LTTE. SLMM were able to verify three attacks in which the perpetrators either came from or fled to GOSL-controlled areas; the attack on the LTTE checkpoint in Vavunathivu on March 2, the attack on the LTTE checkpoint in Poonagar, Mahindapura on March 23 and the attack on the LTTE post in Panichchankerni on April 6.

The continued high number of assassination of civilians, including LTTE supporters, in the East, as well as numerous reports of harassment of civilians strongly indicated that armed groups operate in that area.

SLMM received a large number of complaints relating to assassinations. Harassments, extortions, assaults or abductions where an armed group is the main suspect. Sighting of armed civilians claiming to represent Karuna is often reported to SLMM and on March 28 SLMM monitors encountered 10-15 armed men in civilian clothes operating in Valaichchenai, telling SLMM that they belong to the Karuna faction. SLMM District Office in Batticaloa has also been contacted by individuals claming to be Karuna members.

The only clearly identified armed group is the Karuna faction and their political front TMVP who, contrary to the GOSL commitment, became even more visible in GOSL controlled areas in the East in March. SLMM has been in direct contact with Karuna supportes and TMVP members and their presence and activities are often confirmed by GOSL officials. SLMM was even advised by Ministry of Defence to avoid movements in certain parts of GOSL-controlled areas north of Batticaloa due to security reasons.

There are a number of indications that the GOSL is actively supporting the Karuna group. Known Karuna supporters have been seen moving to and from SLA camps, and it is evident that the security forces and police in some areas are not taking action to prevent armed elements from operating.

There were also strong indications that armed groups started operating in and around Vavuniya. A number of civilians, mainly Tamil businessmen, have been killed during the last months and it is believed that the main reason behind these killings is an attempt by an armed group to disturb LTTE activities in Vavuniya and strengthen their own position. SLMM inquiries on incidents of armed violence against civilians in Vavuniya strongly indicate that SLA and Army Intelligence are supporting the armed groups in Vavuniya district.

SLMM has not been able to confirm the LTTE allegations that armed groups opposed to LTTE are operating in Jaffna nor the presence of an active Muslim armed group. Neither can the LTTE claim, that independent armed groups such as the "Peoples Force" opposing GOSL have been behind attacks on the Security Forces, be verified.

5 Child recruitment

Child recruitment and child abduction increased significantly during March and April after it had been at a fairly low level since September last year. The actual number is likely to be much higher as many parents are unwilling to lodge a complaint due to fear of retaliation.

While it is evident that LTTE was behind most of the child recruiting as confirmed by several of the victims and the LTTE, there were also indications that armed groups such as the Karunas were abducting children. The reasons might be a perceived need to increase the strength of the fighting formations as the conflict escalates. In the East the struggle between the LTTE and the Karuna faction might also lead to increased child recruitment as they are both competing for the same group of potential new cadres.

SLMM is aware that some underage children freely volunteer or leave their families due to economic reasons to join LTTE. Nevertheless it still against international law to accept them for training or use them for military purposes.

6. Other violations of the CFA

Both Parties are reinforcing their forward defence localities following several incidents of crossfire exchange between the parties, notably in Jaffna and in Vavunathivu, Batticaloa. In Vavunathivu tenision seems to escalate following the killing of a high ranking LTTE leader in the Zone of Separation on May 21. LTTE had temporarily stopped building 250 metre-long and two-metre high rampart, but resumed the construction work following the killing.

Furthermore they have constructed new positions along their forward defence localities beside the A9 highway at Omanthai crossing point even though it is a clear violation of the CFA.

The situation along the LTTE-controlled coastline in Trincomalee Bay was tense, mainly due to the fact that there is no zone of separation along the coastlines. Armed LTTE cadres moving and practising shooting near the beach alerted the Sri Lankan Navy units deployed on the outlying islands and at sea. When SLN approached the shore, LTTE Sea Tiger boats had been deployed, which further raised the tension and led to exchange of fire between SLN and LTTE. SLMM assisted to defuse the situation by negotiating an agreement whereby the Parties would inform about any weapons practice in advance.

LTTE Sea Tiger vessels manoeuvred far off the coast in Mullaitivu for several days in April. They continued to provoke the Sri Lankan Navy ships in the area by approaching in fighting positions and firing with their weapons towards the SLN. This was a clear intentional violation of the CFA, which culminated on May 11, 2006 when LTTE attacked four SLN Fast Attack Craft in the north-eastern waters, between Nagarkovil and Chalai .One SLN craft was sunk by an LTTE suicide boat and 17 SLN sailors died.

It is assessed that this engagement was a show of force that LTTE has a naval force to be reckoned with, and that they 'control' the waters outside their coast.

7. GOSL and LTTE cooperation with SLMM and compliance with SLMM rulings

The LTTE is still not providing full freedom of movement to the SLMM. On numerous occasions SLMM was hindered to approach the shores and suspected LTTE Sea Tiger bases. Although the situation improved slightly, it remains a problem, especially in areas where SLMM needs immediate access to inquire into alleged violations. Such restrictions make already difficult tasks even more challenging and add problems to SLMM's possibility to determine on alleged violations.

SLMM also faces problems when patrolling in GOSL area. Since SLMMs press release on April 29 regarding GOSL's involvement in extrajudicial killing, SLMM has on several occasions been denied access through checkpoints and exit/entry points. Security Forces on the ground claim that they act upon orders from Colombo.

The LTTE has been quicker to provide inquiry-related information requested by the SLMM since the last Geneva meeting. Yet, the situation is still not satisfactory. It has also been very difficult for SLMM monitors to get access to LTTE Sea Tigers and Military Wing leaders.

As for the GOSL, both security forces and police were restrictive when it came to SLMM inquiring into alleged activities by armed groups, especially in Vavuniya. It has also been very difficult for SLMM to inquire into the disappearance of four civilians following the attack on a Navy bus in Pesalai, Mannar the 23 December 2005. Sri Lankan Navy, who are accused of being behind the disappearance, has been completely unwilling to cooperate with SLMM to bring clarity to the case.

Both Parties were still very reluctant to comply with SLMM rulings and even though SLMM continuously pointed out, that for example a newly constructed position is a violation and needs to be removed, no action was taken by either party.

Prior to the Sea Tiger attack on May 11, LTTE forwarded three written warnings to SLMM, stating that SLMM should refrain from boarding SLN vessels and that LTTE disclaims all responsibility should an SLMM monitor be injured. SLMM perceived these warnings as mere threats, not be given into. However, SLMM was forced to cease all naval monitoring activities when Sea Tigers attacked an SLN craft with a naval monitor onboard on May 11.

8. Conclusive remarks

The violence has not decreased during the reporting period and serious violations of the CFA have been committed.

The GOSL's commitment to take all necessary measures in accordance with the CFA to ensure that no armed group or person other than Government security forces will carry arms or conduct armed operations in GOSL controlled areas has not been implemented. GOSL is responsible for maintaining law and order in all GOSL controlled areas and this includes preventing operations by criminal, paramilitary and other unofficial armed groups.

LTTE continued to recruit and abduct children to strengthen their fighting capacity. LTTE must follow the CFA and international law and stop this practice.

The Parties must fully cooperate with SLMM and allow access to high security zones and other restricted areas. The Parties also need to improve in regard to providing SLMM with the information required for inquiries and complying with SLMM rulings. LTTE's attempt to limit SLMM naval monitoring was a totally unacceptable move to limit SLMM's mandate.

A number of violations by the parties might have occurred due to lack of discipline and knowledge of the CFA, international law and human rights. Both sides should therefore provide more training on the above-mentioned subjects on all levels.

The Geneva meeting gave an opportunity to the Parties to move forward and improve the situation. The initial positive forward looking atmosphere was however quickly changed into reality as the GOSL remained unwilling to implement all of its commitments and instead denied even the mere presence of armed groups. In addition the GOSL showed little willingness to accept requests by the LTTE aimed at normalizing the situation. SLMM fears that the resumption of attacks against the GOSL security forces was the LTTE's way of putting pressure on the GOSL. The inability by the Parties to grasp this opportunity unfortunately led to 150 persons losing their lives and even more being injured or displaced in the violence that followed.

The parties must start looking at what measures they can take to strengthen the CFA and improve the situation instead of focusing on the faults done by their counterpart. Direct dialogue on all levels should be re-established as a first confidence building measures. SLMM also recommends that the Parties look closer to the Vienna Document, 1999 to find well proven confidence and security building measure which could be adapted to the situation in Sri Lanka.
Finally, it should be emphasized that there are two basic fundamentals which are necessary for a lasting peace and stability: A confident legal system and full democratic control of the armed forces. These basic fundamentals must be strengthened in Sri Lanka if the peace process shall be successful.

Ulf Henricsson
Head of Mission

(http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060611/news/TheSLMMreport.html)

Govt says report unfair, arbitrary

Following is the text of the government’s statement in response to the SLMM report.

The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) expresses concern on the release of a document dated 4 June 2006, the Report of the SLMM, on the implementation of the Agreements reached between the GOSL and the LTTE at the Geneva Talks of 22-23 February 2006. It had been agreed that such a report was to be submitted at the second session of the CFA talks to be held on 19-26 April 2006 in Geneva, which however was aborted due to the LTTE's unwillingness to attend the said meeting following its naked violations of the CFA. In fact it was precisely during the period that the second round of Geneva Talks was earlier scheduled to take place that the LTTE attempted to assassinate the Army Commander on the 25th of April when a female suicide bomber exploded the bomb concealed on her person killing nine persons in the vicinity. The restrained manner in which the Government responded to the terror unleashed by the LTTE has been commended by the international community.

Leaving aside the timing of the release of the report, the GOSL is dismayed by the attempt by the Head of the SLMM through the said report to cast aspersions on the conduct of the GOSL. The Report itself confesses in paragraph 4 page 1 that it "has been somewhat difficult for SLMM to inquire into vague and general accusations with very few concrete facts" and that "more time is needed to finalize the inquiries in a professional manner and to all respective parties to respond to the allegations". If there are difficulties which the SLMM has encountered in making proper findings it seems grossly unfair and arbitrary for the SLMM to come to a comprehensive and definitive finding that the GOSL remained unwilling to implement all of its commitments reached at the Geneva Talks of 22-23 February 2006.

The Report proceeds on the tacit premise that the spate of violence that took place from and after the conclusion of Geneva talks was occasioned by the deplorable assassination of Mr. Vigneswaran in Trincomalee of 7 April 2006, an act condemned by the GOSL, and that the admitted violence perpetrated by the LTTE on the armed forces was their way of seeking to pressure the government. While it is self evident that the core object of terrorism is to pressure the governments, the strategy of seeking to pressurize the government, by acts of murder, violence and sabotage, has been the hallmark of the conduct of the LTTE for over three decades. The premise that this spate violence was sparked off by the murder of Mr. Vigneswaran on 7 April is clearly unfounded and contrary to the facts. It is an undeniable fact that the LTTE attacked a Dvora fast attack craft of the Sri Lanka Navy while it was on routine patrol duties killing 8 sailors and wounding 11 on the 25 March 2006 off Kudiramalai point, South of Mannar, amounting to a gross violation of the CFA which the SLMM has conveniently ignored. Furthermore, the LTTE has killed 22 and injured 22 persons from 23 April 2006 through 7 April 2006. Each such incident was a blatant violation of the CFA. This not so subtle attempt to find justification for the LTTE's campaign of terror is not acceptable.

Furthermore, the LTTE targeted and killed 173 members of the armed forces, most of them unarmed and going on leave or returning from leave between the 17 November and 7 April 2006, which facts again have been overlooked or omitted by the SLMM in its report. It appears that the SLMM is making the 7 April 2006 the genesis of all violence and closing their eyes to events between 23 February 2006 and the 7th April 2006, which is the reporting period.
LTTE cadres participating in a military exercise

The GOSL has denied that there are 'paramilitary groups' as defined in the CFA operating in government controlled areas. The GOSL stands by that position. The Karuna group is a faction of the LTTE. The contention of the SLMM that there is complicity with the armed forces in many of the murders of civilians is based entirely on the vague footing that some of them took place near army camps and that the perpetrators of such killings are alleged to have fled to 'GoSL controlled areas'. The dividing line between areas directly controlled by the GOSL and those which the LTTE exercises dominance being well over 600 metres, it is physically impossible for the government to monitor all movements into and out of such areas. This dividing line is much blurred and ambiguous particularly in the Eastern province. The alleged fact that the killing of many civilians took place in the vicinity of establishments of the army is incapable of leading to the inference of the complicity of the army in such killings - for the attempted murder of the Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka, and the murder of his escorts took place not in the vicinity of an army camp but within army headquarters itself and it could hardly be contended that the army had any complicity in the commission of that foul act.

Further evidence of the disregard for the truth is to be found in the statement that at least 88 servicemen were 'killed in action'. In fact, every one of these servicemen were murdered by the LTTE either when going home on leave unarmed or returning from home unarmed or doing sedentary duties at bunkers and check points. The impression sought to be created by the use of the words 'killed in action' is that those murdered servicemen were not specifically targeted but happened to be killed while engaged in military operations against the LTTE.

Another example of this bias is to be found in the statements that while the LTTE were the most likely perpetrator of violence against the armed forces, one cannot rule out some attacks having been committed by some other unnamed 'and unknown' elements. The very thought that there could be some third party (which is not the LTTE) adept at committing mass murder tantamount to crimes against humanity with the use of claymore mines and other sophisticated weapons echoes the cynical propaganda of the LTTE whenever they are accused of attacking the armed forces on land or at sea.

Another pointer to a bias in the SLMM Report is the reference to the alleged disappearance of four civilians at Pesalai following the deadly claymore mine attack on Naval personnel on 23 December 2005, whereas the SLMM report is expected to cover incidents from and after the Geneva Talks on 22-23 February 2006. It appears that the SLMM recalls an incident prior to the Geneva talks only for the purpose of castigating the GOSL, while omitting any acts of violence of the LTTE in the year 2005 or previously.

Another unfounded and prejudicial comment made by the SLMM is that the GOSL showed little willingness to accept requests made by the LTTE aimed at normalizing the situation. The 'requests' referred to in the Report appear to be the requests made by the LTTE for transport by Air Force helicopter for its cadres to attend a meeting in Kilinochchi. The privilege of being transported by Air Force helicopter, which was extended to the LTTE in the past, was stopped following the cowardly assassination of the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar by the LTTE.

The SLMM is aware of the fact that while the GOSL did make alternative arrangements, which it was by no means obliged to do in terms of the CFA, these were rejected by the LTTE, namely: (a) security escort on a road movement, (b) Sri Lankan Navy ferry for a sea movement, (c) civilian ferry, (d) a civilian helicopter, (e) a civilian float plane. It was the LTTE that spurned these offers of assistance. Thus, to comment on the GOSL's unwillingness to 'accommodate' LTTE requests while ignoring the political will of the Government in going out the extra mile to arrange safe transport for LTTE cadres and ignoring in its entirety the obduracy of the LTTE to accept transport arrangements other than those which 'they had demanded' surely lacks impartiality.

As regards the opening of political offices of the LTTE the ceasefire agreement entitles the LTTE to do political work in cleared areas but does not entitle it to open political offices therein. The right to open political offices in government controlled areas was, therefore, a privilege granted to them as a measure of goodwill and confidence. SLMM Report completely ignores the fact that the LTTE abused that privilege by using those offices to organize and engage in violent anti-Government and anti-civilian activities and other illegal activities such as child recruitment, extortion, covert intelligence operations that were totally contrary to the CFA in that they do not build confidence but destroy it. SLMM also ignores the fact that even after the LTTE closed those offices on their own accord the government did permit them to open such offices but with conditions on matters relating to security, which are those which are imposed on other political parties to open political offices in any other part of the country. It is important to note that SLMM has failed to recognize that no political activity whatsoever is permitted in the uncleared area by the LTTE unless such activities are those of or in support of the LTTE which claims to be the sole-representative of the Tamils. The SLMM has also totally ignored and failed to record the fact that the LTTE has continued to deny access to its illegal aviation facility established contrary to United Nations Security Council Resolutions, national and international law.

Another finding of the SLMM that calls for comment is the observation that there was in Jaffna a campaign of targeted killings since 10th April 2006 and that in May there were two grave incidents which demonstrated a new development where gunmen targeted groups of civilians instead of individuals. While the SLMM does not name the perpetrators of these killings they completely ignore the fact that neither the targeted killings of civilians nor the killings of groups of civilians is a new phenomenon which commenced in April or May 2006. This is what the LTTE has been doing for well over three decades (during which time they murdered prominent Tamil citizens in the North and East and committed many indiscriminate acts of mass murders) and that they continue to do so even after the Geneva talks of February 2006. It is indeed a surprise that the SLMM totally ignores and does not make even a passing reference to the murders of 6 peasant cultivators at Gomarankadawela on 23 April 2006, the murder of 7 civilian wild-life enthusiasts in the Wilpattu National Park, and the more recent murders of 12 labourers engaged in the repair of an irrigation work who were shot with their hands tied behind their backs by the LTTE at Omidiyamadhu near Welikanda on 30 May 2006.

The obligation to desist from violence is one which is imposed on both parties and is a reciprocal obligation which is fundamental to the whole agreement. It is clear that the LTTE has repudiated its undertakings both under the original CFA of February 2002 as well as in the Communique dated 23rd February 2006 at Geneva. In the circumstances we reject the allegations and speculations made in the report issued by the head of the SLMM on 4th June 2006 as ill-founded and as being made in bad faith to blame the armed forces for these incidents.

The distinctly biased attitude against the GOSL is also evident in the last paragraph of the report made by the Head of the SLMM where in magisterial fashion he presumes to comment on the legal system and the practice of democracy in Sri Lanka for which he has no personal or official mandate and which are beyond the scope of his functions in terms of the CFA and the duty to report on violations of the CFA from and after the 22 February 2006.

It is also pertinent to refer to a statement made by Major General Ulf Henricsson, at the time the EU was deliberating whether to list the LTTE as a terrorist organization. Major General Henricsson stated: "I'm not sure the EU ban is coming at the right time. Worse-case scenario might be that the LTTE thinks it is abandoned by everyone and there is not alternative to a full-scale guerilla war. They target Colombo, tourist resources - investors leave, tourists leave, rich people leave." (Times, UK, May 20, 2006). These ill-considered comments, which border on the realm of speculation at best, could indeed incite the LTTE to engage in violence and produce the very outcome that Major General Ulf Henricsson has speculated on. Such comments do not signify the highest level of professionalism that is required of the Head of the SLMM.

In conclusion, while the GOSL is appreciative of the tasks and challenges faced by the SLMM in carrying out its mandate, it has serious concerns about both the timing as well as the contents of the SLMM Report which in turn also raises serious questions about the impartiality of the SLMM. Meanwhile, the GOSL remains committed to discussing the modalities of operation of the SLMM in Oslo to which it readily agreed on the understanding that it should not be seen a substitute for the second round of Geneva talks.

(http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060611/news/Govermentsays.html)

Senior LTTE cadre, several others killed

A senior LTTE member and three others were killed in a claymore mine explosion on the LTTE controlled Vellankulam-Thunukkai Road in Mannar yesterday morning, a rebel official said.

LTTE spokesman Daya Master said that “Colonel” Mahenthi, an LTTE “Commander” in Mannar district, and three LTTE cadres, were killed.

Mahenthi was in charge of an area in LTTE-controlled Mannar district and he was the former head of the Jaffna liberation unit. He had also led many attacks on the security forces.

Meanwhile, a farmer was killed in another explosion in Nedunkerni in Kilinochchi.
In Muttur, a man and his 10-year-old son were shot dead while they were travelling in a bus from Muttur to Trincomalee.

One person was also injured and admitted to the Trincomalee hospital, Police said. Two employees of the World Bank-funded North East Irrigated Agriculture Project (NEIAP) were also wounded in another claymore mine blast in Nedunkerni.

Meanwhile, three bodies with cut injuries were found at Vijayapura, in Anuradhapura last afternoon. Their hands were tied and their faces had been burnt to prevent identification. Police said the bodies had been dumped at this location after being killed elsewhere.

(http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060611/news/senior.html)

Two civilians killed in DPU Claymore attack

Sri Lanka Army Deep Penetration Unit soldiers exploded a Claymore mine and killed two civilians, who were riding in a motorbike, inside LTTE controlled territory, at Palaipani in Vavuniya west around 10:00 a.m. Sunday.

Palaipani is located around 36 km northwest of Vavuniya town, 3 km away from Panangamam.

Further details are not available at the moment.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18460)

LTTE Commander killed in Claymore attack

Lieutenant Colonel Mahenthi, an LTTE Commander in the Mannar district, was killed along with three LTTE cadres in a Claymore attack carried out by the Sri Lanka Army soldiers on Vellankulam - Thunukkai Road on Saturday morning, LTTE officials in Killinochchi said. A civilian farmer, seriously wounded in a Claymore attack Saturday morning around 6 a.m., succumbed to his wounds at Killinochchi hospital. Two employees of the World Bank-funded North East Irrigated Agriculture Project (NEIAP) were wounded in a separate attack in Nedunkerni. Claymore attacks by the Sri Lankan Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP), known as the Deep Penetration Unit (DPU), have escalated in LTTE-controlled Vanni.

Lt. Col. Mahenthi was in charge of an area in the LTTE-controlled Mannar district.

The civilian farmer who succumbed to his wounds at Killinochchi hospital was identified as Navaratnam Srinagathasan, 32.

Two other attacks were also reported in LTTE-controlled areas on Saturday, according to Tiger officals.

Also on Friday, a blast was reported around 7:25 p.m. in LTTE controlled Mannar area near Pallamadu. Casualty details were not available.

A Sinhala driver and a trainee caretaker of Thummara Enterprise, a Southern contractor firm, were killed two days ago, when the SLA DPU attackers targeted the Mannar Commander of the Tigers.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18457)

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18457)

Top Tiger commander, three others killed in Claymore blast

A top Tamil rebel commander and three other guerrillas were killed in a mine blast in the northwest on Saturday, a pro-rebel report said, as surging violence threatened to drag the island nation back to full-scale civil war.

Pro-rebel Web site TamilNet reported that Lt. Col. Mahenthi was killed by an anti-personnel mine activated by the government military in a rebel-held region of Mannar.

Military spokesman Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe denied army involvement in the blast, saying the soldiers did not enter rebel-controlled areas in accordance with a 2002 cease-fire agreement.

Mahenthi was the second high profile rebel to be killed since May.

Also on Saturday, a gunman boarded a passenger bus and fatally shot a Tamil man and a 10-year-old boy in the North East, a government source disclosed.

Another passenger was critically wounded in the shooting at Muttur, the Media Centre for National Security said.

Meanwhile nine civilians were injured in a grenade explosion at the Thirunelvely market, North of Jaffna town, around 10.15 a.m. yesterday.

The wounded were brought to the Jaffna teaching hospital yesterday morning.

V.Sivanathan (23), Jaffna town, N.Vijeyakumar (40), Kokkuvil, N. Uthayakumar (34), Allaipiddy, V.Sivashanthini (24), Arasady Road, Urumparai, A.Murugamoorthy (45), Thirunelvely, T.Thivakaran (26), Kokkuvil, A. Prsanth (13), Thirunelvely, K. Vanthan (23), Palaly road, Thirunelvely and T. Raventhirarasa (40), Kokkuvil were identi fied as those injured in the blast, according to sources.

(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2006/06/12/news/06.asp)


Karuna inflict havoc in wanni tiger flanks

Military wing leader of wanni tiger organization in Mannar,‘Lieu. Col.’ Mahendi, was killed in an attack carried out by members of Karuna faction of the tiger organization at early hours of the morning yesterday (10th). Three other tiger cadres too died in the attack carried out on Mannar – Mullaithivu road.

Two more attacks had been carried out by Karuna faction in the area and in one carried out at Puthikudiruppu ‘Cama auntie’, wife of tiger leader Karikalan, a director of tiger hospital called ‘Ponnambalam Hospital’, has been killed.

In an attack carried out by members of Karuna faction at Batticaloa the ring leader of paramilitary group of tiger organization was killed together with two members of tiger intelligence unit.

(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2006/June/20060611/20060611_3.htm)

15 wanni tigers die in tiger clash

15 members of wanni tiger organization have died and a large number injured in a clash between the members of wanni tiger organization and members of Karuna faction of the tiger organization. This has been revealed by security forces by listening to radio transmissions between groups of wanni tigers.

The incident had occurred in an un-cleared area at Periyakulam in Trincomalee District.

Members of Karuna faction had attacked forward defense lines of wanni tigers this morning at about 2.00 a.m. Three bunkers of wanni tigers have been completely destroyed the radio transmissions had revealed.

Harm to Karuna faction has not been revealed yet.

(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2006/June/20060608/20060608_2.htm)

Top Tamil rebel commander, three guerrillas killed in mine blast

A top Tamil rebel commander and three other guerrillas were killed in a mine blast in northwestern Sri Lanka Saturday, a pro-rebel report said, as surging violence threatens to drag the island nation back to full-scale civil war.

Pro-rebel Web site TamilNet reported that Lt. Col. Mahenthi was killed by an anti-personnel mine activated by government military in a rebel-held region of Mannar district 220 kilometers (135 miles) north of the capital, Colombo.

Military spokesman Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe denied army was involved in the blast saying that the soldiers do not enter rebel-controlled areas in accordance with a 2002 cease-fire agreement.

Mahenthi is the second high profile rebel to be killed since May.

Also Saturday, a gunman boarded a passenger bus and fatally shot an ethnic Tamil man and a 10-year-old boy in northeastern Sri Lanka, the government said.

Another passenger was critically wounded in the shooting in Muttur, about 230 kilometers (140 miles) northeast of the capital, Colombo, the Media Center for National Security said.

The center said it suspected Tamil Tiger rebels in the killings but that the motive was unknown. Rebel officials could not be contacted immediately for comment.

Scores of government troops and rebels have been killed in Sri Lanka's volatile north and east since April, when hostilities heightened between the government and Tamil Tigers.

Also many civilians have been killed under mysterious circumstances with the government and the rebels blaming each other for the crimes.

On Friday, an entire family of four _ a man, his wife and their two young children _ were found hacked to death in northwestern Sri Lanka.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebels have fought the government since 1983 to create a separate state for ethnic minority Tamils, accusing the majority Sinhalese-dominated state of discrimination.

More than 65,000 people were killed in the conflict before the two sides signed a 2002 cease-fire brokered by Norway. Subsequent peace talks have broken down.

On Thursday, proposed direct talks in Norway between government and rebel representatives on ensuring the security of 60 European cease-fire monitors failed after the rebels refused to meet with government officials.

(http://www.theacademic.org/stories/11499557990/story.shtml)

Friday, June 09, 2006

Anger as Sri Lanka remembers war dead by Ranga Sirilal

‘Whether they are Tamil, Sinhala or Muslim, it’s our children we lost from the war, so we do not want war, we want peace’

Sri Lankan mother of two Chandi Rajamanthree says she would rather see her two young sons starve to death than fight in an ethnic conflict that left their father disabled.

Her husband has made a partial recovery since he was badly injured in one arm and one leg when the feared sea arm of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) sank his Israeli-made naval fast attack boat in 2000. A ceasefire two years later still holds, on paper, but the military and rebels are now embroiled in a low intensity conflict that many fear could reignite a two decade war that has killed over 64,000 people.

“I’m fortunate. At least my husband is alive, even as a disabled sailor,” Rajamanthreeshe said on Wednesday night as she waited with her sons - aged four and eight - to commemorate the more than 22,000 servicemen killed in the protracted conflict.

“I don’t accept war and I will never send any of my children to war, even if they died from starving,” she added, dressed in a white saree of mourning. “I will give them a good education and a good future.” She joined thousands of war widows and relatives of fallen servicemen who gathered at this memorial park near the ancient hill capital of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s tea growing central hills to light oil lamps and offer flowers to the dead.

Many of them have not been as fortunate as Rajamanthree. “I’m still awaiting the arrival of my son, who went missing in the battlefield eight years ago,” said 65-year-old NG Bissomanike, tears falling from her eyes. “Whether they are Tamil, Sinhala or Muslim, it’s our children we lost from the war, so we do not want war, we want peace,” she said.

More than 400 soldiers, sailors, civilians and rebels have been killed since early April in a quickening pace of tit-for-tat attacks, ambushes and shootings between the foes.

Several ethnic Tamil children, including a four-month-old child and a four-year-old boy has been shot dead in attacks. The military and the rebels each blame on the other side. Sri Lanka’s military says more than 82,500 servicemen have deserted the armed forces since the war began in 1983. Around 30,000 have been pardoned, but the remainders are still on the run, scared to go up against one of the most feared rebel groups in the world.

Some relatives of the fallen think it is time to wage war on the Tigers and their demands for a separate homeland for ethnic Tamils in the north and east, where the rebels already run a de facto state. “The only solution is war,” said police constable GA Wenura Perera, wearing a camouflage uniform and carrying an automatic rifle as he lit a clay lamp in remembrance of his elder brother, who was killed in action in 1995. “If they hit us we should hit them back,” the father-of-two said.

(http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/print.asp?page=2006\06\09\story_9-6-2006_pg4_26)

Army penetration attack wounds four health officials in Sri Lanka by Anne Stanley

On Thursday, the Sri Lanka Army Deep Penetration Unit (DPU) exploded a claymore mine and three explosives in Akkarayan- 20 km from Kilinochchi, the rebel capital. In the attack, four health officials from the Tamil Tiger operated Mobile Medical Services were wounded.

As the health officials were traveling back to Kilinochchi following a routine visit to rural villages in Mannar, the claymore mine hit the vehicle and damaged it while severely wounding a nurse and the driver, says local officials to TNS.

This attack comes shortly after yesterday's pressure mine explosion in the east by the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) where nine civilians, including three children, were killed and fourteen were wounded. In that explosion, rebel sources said that the SLA troopers moved beyond the Forward Defense Line of the LTTE controlled area to administer the attack.

Through such attacks, SLA is trying to penetrate LTTE controlled areas by tactically forcing civilians to flee the borders of LTTE controlled areas, the sources further said. In addition, a similar attack took place in Thikiliveddai, another LTTE controlled border area, where two young boys were killed in ambush on farmers traveling in a tractor.

Even though the military has denied that its forces had been operating behind rebel lines, few diplomats and journalists in the capital Colombo believe them.

Low Expectations as Violence Rises

Despite the rising violence, the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE have begun talks separately with the Norwegian facilitators in Oslo regarding the safety of the SLMM monitors. Following repeated broken promises by successive Sri Lankan Governments in a series of peace talks over the last 20 years, civic leaders in the North and East of Sri Lanka are not placing any expectations of returning to normalcy following current talks.

Both parties last met in February where they agreed to de-escalate violence. However, a covert war continues as innocent civilians are frequently affected by the violence. This is pushing the country onto the brink of re-entering into a war that has killed more than 80,000 people.

(http://www.tamileelamnews.com/news/publish/printer_5422.shtml)

Two workers killed in SLA deep penetration attack

A trainee caretaker and a Sinhalese driver of a water supply contractor, Thummara Enterprises, were killed in a Claymore attack carried out by the Sri Lanka Army Deep Penetration Unit attack in LTTE controlled Mannar district Thursday at 12:50 p.m., Tamileelam Police officials said.

The victims were identified as Alocious Rex Sasiharan, 24, the trainee caretaker and H.M.Amarasekara, 45, the Sinhala driver of the blue color pickup vehicle with registration number CPHF 5832, Police officials said.

Mannar district field commander of the LTTE was travelling in another vehicle on Periayamadu - Pallamadu Road, 5 minutes behind the civilian vehicle that was ambushed by the deep penetration unit, Police officials further said.

The DPU ambush has taken place 4 km from Periyamadu.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18438)

The trainee caretaker was on his way to inspect a water supply project that supplies water to Vidthaltheevu island.

The bodies were handed over to Adampan District Hospital.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

4 health officials wounded in deep penetration attack in Vanni

Four health officials of Tamileelam Health Service Mobile Medical Service were wounded when Sri Lanka Army Deep Penetration Unit (DPU) exploded a Claymore mine together with three explosives. A nurse and the driver of the vehicle were seriously wounded in the attack that took place at Akkarayan, 20 km from Kilinochchi around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Police officials in Kilinochchi said. Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) officials visited the attack site.

The vehicle belonging to the Tamileelam Health Service was damaged in the attack that took place, west of Akkarayan junction towards Mulankavil, at 9th Mile Post.

The doctor, Ms. Theva, is from LTTE's Medical Unit. Two women nurses and the driver were civilian workers employed in Tamil Eelam Health Services.

The Claymore mine was detonated from 60 meters distance. Three other explosives were planted in 3 meters distance to explode jointly with the Claymore mine, Police officials who inspected the site explained.

The Claymore mine hit the vehicle which was returning to Kilinochchi after a routine visit to rural villages in Mannar providing medical services, according to Tamileelam Police officials.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18436)

Two Sinhala workers killed in SLA deep penetration attack

Two Sinhala workers of Thuppara Enterprise, a water supply company, were killed in a Claymore attack at Sannar in Periyamadu, an LTTE controlled area, in Mannar district around 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Tamileelam Police officials said.

One of the victims was identified as H. M. Amarasekara, 45. The other victim is yet to be identified. They were riding in a vehicle, with registration number CPHF 5832, Police officials said.

A vehicle with a Mannar district field commander of the LTTE was riding 5 minutes behind the civilian vehicle that was ambushed by the deep penetration unit, Police officials further said.

The DPU ambush has taken place 4 km from Periyamadu on Periayamadu - Pallamadu road.

Further details are not available at the moment.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18438)