The bodies of 20 LTTE terrorists who participated in then pre-dawn attack on the SLAF base in Anuradhapura today (22) have been found in subsequent search operations in the area by the Army and Police.

Five Security Forces personnel were killed and 22 injured in the confrontation between the Security Forces and the LTTE terrorists, in this attack. 

The LTTE’s ground attack on the air base was late supported by two light aircraft of the terrorist organization, which dropped two bombs damaging two MIG – 24 helicopters and one K-8 training aircraft. 

A Bell 212 helicopter gunship that was pursuing the LTTE aircraft crashed onto the Doramadalagama area in Mihintale, reportedly due to technical failure. Two pilots and two gunners of the SLAF on board the chopper died in this incident. According to Defence sources this aircraft had been called in for assistance from Vavuniya. 

Minister Keheliya Rambukwelle, Media Spokesman for Defence, said this attack is seen as an attempt by the LTTE to avenge its debacle in the East, and boost its rapidly declining image. He said it is believed that LTTE terrorist cadres with a high level of training and some of its suicide cadres had participated in this attack. 

The Minister added this incident would not deter the government from carrying out its humanitarian operations to free the people of all areas from the clutches of terrorism, and that terrorism had to be defeated to bring about any political solution to the situation prevailing in the country.

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to priu@presidentsoffice.lk with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: October 22, 2007 - 9.30 GMT