MoD sources also said there was no truth in related reports that 10 STF camps in the Eastern Ampara District were to be vacated.

There would be a withdrawal of the STF from parts of the Ampara District for re-deployment in the areas of Jaffna, Vavuniya and Weli Oya fronts where the operations against with the LTTE have reached a critical stage, these sources said.

At a media briefing yesterday (21) the Inspector Genera of Police said only 25% of STF personnel were being transferred fro the Ampara District.

According to Defence authorities the re-deployment of STF personnel in areas where they are more needed now is part of the overall security plan under which the three armed forces, too, would shift both men and material to other important locations.

The STF would continue to maintain a sizeable presence in the eastern Batticaloa District, and their numbers would even be increased to face any eventuality in the area. Taking the Eastern Province as a whole, the current re-deployment of a section of the STF would not lead to a reduction of the overall military strength in the province.

STF is an elite force established and trained to engage in special operations against terrorists, and they are being deployed in areas where their services are most needed now, the Defence authorities said.