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20 killed in clashes in Sri Lanka

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, June 16, IRNA
Sri Lanka-LTTE-Clashes
Sri Lankan Air Force jets destroyed a key LTTE combat logistic facility in a rebel stronghold on Sunday as fierce ground clashes killed 17 Tamil Tigers and two soldiers in the island's embattled north, the military said.

Giving details of the airstrike on the rebel stronghold, Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said the facility was used to maintain and service LTTE's combat vehicles, Indian official media reported here.

"Sri Lankan Air Force fighter jets launched precision air sorties destroying a key LTTE combat-logistic facility located at Venavil in Mullaittiuvu district this morning," Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

Large explosions were observed from the target site, Nanayakkara said quoting fighter pilots. He said the facility was used to convert, maintain and service LTTE's combat vehicles.

The spokesman said the workshop at this site was used to modify, maintain and service combat transport vehicles for the LTTE.

It is also believed to be a prime logistic and combat supply storage for the outfit militants, he said.

"According to latest information, the LTTE site is still burning following a series of explosions that were reported immediately after the air raid this morning," he said.

"This strategically important facility also consisted of a large fuel dump," sources said.

In ground clashes, troops killed eight rebels in fierce clashes in Periyamadu tank in North-western Mannar yesterday, the Media Center for National Security (MCNS) said.

Separately, the army troops killed one LTTE cadre in Palayadikulam in North-east Welioya yesterday, the military said.

It said intense fighting in Kiribbanwewa area in Welioya resulted in the death of two Tiger rebels and injuries to nine others.

In another confrontation in the same area later in the day, security forces gunned down two Tiger militants, the MCNS said.

In another confrontation, two army personnel lost their lives in clashes in Koyitkulam area in Mannar on Saturday.

Army soldiers killed two LTTE cadres in Nedunkandal area in Mannar on Saturday, the MCNS said adding two Tiger rebels were shot dead in the same area later in the day.

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