LTTE rebels attack Air Force Base and International Airport at Katunayake
[July 24, 2001]

LTTE rebels attacked the Sri Lanka Air Force Base at Katunayake, 25 km north of Colombo early this morning. 

Operations at the Bandaranaike International Airport were suspended immediately and security forces reinforcements rushed to the area.

Residents in the vicinity reported hearing loud explosions at dawn and a red glow in the sky above the area of the Air Base and the adjoining International Airport.
      
According to military sources 8 Military Air Craft have been damaged in the attack. These include 3 Trainer Air Craft, 3 Fighter Air Craft and 2 Helicopters.

The rebels later attacked a Hanger in the International Airport causing damage to two A 340 and one A 330 aircraft belonging to Srilankan Airlines.

The area is sealed off and search operations are on.
     
Security Forces have reported finding 8 bodies of rebel infiltrators.

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Last Updated Date: December 16, 2003 .