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The LTTE this morning pounded mortars on the Omanthai Entry/Exit point preventing a fleet of lorries carrying dry rations and essentials from reaching their destinations of Jaffna and Kilinochchi. According to the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS), after routine checking procedures the fleet of eleven lorries was moving towards the north of Omanthai across the no man’s land about 10.20 am when the attack occurred. The lorry crew had out of fear for their lives turned back, without proceeding north. The fleet with over 120 tons of rice, dhal, sugar, flour, spices, coconut oil, grams, medicine medical requirements and other essentials finally returned to Vavuniya town after the crew refused to transport those essentials into un-cleared areas. “This was not an attack against the forces, but against the civilians”, said Maj. Rajapaksa of the MCNS, who further said the lorry drivers were seeking guarantees of their safety before agreeing to proceed to Jaffna and Kilinochchi. The roadblock was immediately closed down by the Security Forces until further notice since there were over 175 northbound passengers awaiting clearance to move further towards the north. The ICRC stationed in no man’s land has also recommended the suspension of movement of passengers and vehicles. The ICRC as well as the SLMM witnessed the firing according to the lorry drivers. Meanwhile, Maj. Rajapaksa said despite such attacks the Forces were still taking action in Sampoor to facilitate the resettlement of displaced Muslim civilians. 13 soldiers have been killed in action with 79 others injured, while the terrorists have 66 casualties and over a 100 injured.
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