Sri Lankan rebels kill 17 civilians in shooting spree
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Feb 10, IRNA -- Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers on Tuesday went on a shooting rampage, killing 17 Tamil civilians and wounded 69 others apparently to stop them from fleeing as thousands of refugees streamed out of the war zone in the Wanni region for safer places.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres opened fire to stop them seeking shelter with the security forces, All India Radio (AIR) reported quoting Sri Lankan Army spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara as said.
The incident happened this morning in Udayarkattu area in Pudukudiyyrippu in the northern Wanni region. This was the second major attempt by the Tigers to stop the Tamil civilians, who international agencies believe are being held as human shields.
In a dastardly attack, Monday, a LTTE female suicide bomber blew herself up in a refugee centre killing 29 people and injuring 64 others.
More than 7,000 Tamil civilians crossed the frontline in Mullaitivu on Monday, bringing the total number of people who have escaped the war zone to over 30,000.
Meanwhile, There is a widespread condemnation of the LTTE's suicide attack in the refugee camp at Visuamadu killing innocent civilians.
The Sri Lanka Government, the United Nations and the United States were quick to condemn this attack on Tamil civilians by the LTTE.
The US said the attack was an attempt by the LTTE to discourage Tamil civilians from leaving the conflict area, and called on the LTTE to "allow all civilians freedom of movement" and urged the government to ensure that all civilians who flee the fighting are transferred to the camps "in accordance with international standards."
The United Nations has also condemned Monday's suicide attack which killed and wounded many civilians including, children.
It called on the LTTE to separate its forces from civilians under its control.
U.N. resident coordinator Neil Buhne said in Colombo that "we deplore the loss of civilian life in this targeted killing. It's a blow for people who have suffered so much".
A woman suicide bomber who came in a crowd of about 800 civilians from the unclear territory blew herself on Monday morning in the refugee camp meant for displaced civilians, killing at least 28 people and injuring 64 others.
The government has announced compensation to the blast victims.
Under the first phase Rs.15, 000 as compensation payments will be given for funeral arrangements.
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