Date:01/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/01/stories/2008110160621600.htm

International

Sea Tigers leader’s hideout bombed

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: The Air Force on Friday claimed it raided a suspected hideout of senior LTTE leader Soosai.

Air Force spokesperson Janaka Nanayakkara said the hideout was located in the Jayanthinagar area, 2.5 km west of Akkarayankulam Tank.

However, he said the extent of the damage caused had not been verified.

Soosai is the leader of the Sea Tigers, the LTTE’s sea wing.

In recent months, the Air Force has raided suspected hideouts of senior LTTE leaders, including that of LTTE chief Velupillai Prabakaran.

Meanwhile, the military claimed troops engaged in the “Wanni liberation offensive operation advanced further towards the LTTE terrain, inflicting heavy damages to the enemy.”

About a week ago, the military decided not to publish battle casualties, saying the situation was volatile.

Consolidation

“Troops of Task Force-1 confronted LTTE terrorists while engaging in consolidating operations in newly-liberated areas in Nachchikuda. The fighting ensued in Pundiveddikulam and Nachchikuda areas.

“Terrorists were fleeing towards Valaipadu and Pooneryn areas after losing their main stronghold, Nachchikuda, on northwestern coastal border of the island,” said the Defence Ministry.

On the Mullathivu battlefront, soldiers had several confrontations with LTTE in Andankulam, said the Ministry, adding that the military had attacked “observed terror movements” in the area, “inflicting heavy damages to the enemy.”