Air Force launches a massive attack on LTTE

Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara says the air force has launched a massive attack on a black tiger training camp in Pannikkamkulam north around 6.20 this morning using kafir and MIG air craft. The camp was located north west of Mankulam.

Spokesman for national defence and minister Keheliya Rambukwella says more than one hundred LTTE carders were killed in clashes in areas surrounding the forward defence circle in Muhamalai. Another 200 LTTE members were injured. 43 members of the security forces have also succumbed to their injuries.

The Minister at a media briefing in Colombo this morning also said 22 injured soldiers have returned to the battle front. He added the troops were able to capture the first defence circle of the LTTE in this operation.

Minister Rambukwella responding to statement made by JVP parliamentarian Jayantha Wijesekera recently regarding security provided to him said full security has been provided to the MP. He further said it is the prison that provides security to any person subjected to detention. However, he was provided four security officials after his release. The Minister further said six more security officials have been assigned to the member of parliament on the instructions of the President.