Date:28/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/28/stories/2008122855801100.htm

International

LTTE chief on the run: Army

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: The Air Force on Saturday claimed to have bombed two locations frequented by LTTE chief Velupillai Prabakaran in the North amid reports of capture of more territory by the Army from the Tigers.

The Defence Ministry quoting intelligence reports said the LTTE leader had been faced with a serious problem with finding a safe hiding place.

“The terror chief overwhelmed with fears for his life due to increasing threats from his own outfit as well as from the advancing soldiers is reportedly shifting his hiding place in quick successions.”

Air Force spokesperson Janaka Nanayakkara said the jets had targeted a “hiding place” of the LTTE leader located in thick jungle one km southeast of Vishwamadhu tank.

In the second strike, the jets pounded a “secret meeting place” of the senior LTTE leaders located 1.5 km southeast Puthukkudiyiruppu. The second target was also a boat modifying workshop.

Wing Commander Nanayakkara said the jets had also attacked a gathering of the LTTE cadre west of Iranamadhu tank bund. The air strike has been launched in support of the troops steadily marching towards Kilinochchi.

The SLAF said its MI 24 helicopter gunships carried out two successful close air support missions for the troops in Mullathivu. The military said the soldiers were in the process of dominating Mulliyaweli, Tanniyattu and Chilawatte areas.