Special Forces hammer LTTE team bound for Batti

A group of LTTE cadres that infiltrated through a gap in the Army's FDL were hunted and killed by the Special Forces in the general area Padaviya this morning. Military Intelligence had received information that a fresh batch of cadres destined for Batticaloa was on its way to Weli Oya by ground.

The group had identified a gap in the Army FDL north of the Padaviya Tank. The Army had reinforced the area and deployed additional Homeguard units. The Tigers, dressed in Army uniforms were attempting to wander through a Sinhala village called Konketiyawa last morning, 10 miles from Padaviya, 4 miles north of Bogas Handiya along the Padaviya-Pulmoddai road. The homeguards, alert to the situation, engaged the Tigers immediately killing one. One homeguard was wounded and later died.

Immediately upon detection, the group went into disarray. 12 Tigers fled to a nearby jungle and tried to getaway. A group of military Police personnel were sent to attack the unit but they were unable to do so. One Military Police Officer (CCMP Officer) was killed in the fight.

Realizing that the Tigers were hardcore, the Army gave the go-ahead for the 4 Special Forces. One team of Special Forces went into the jungle to track the team when from atop a tree, a Tiger fired an RPG at the SF unit killing one SF soldier. Angered by the attack the Special Forces wasted no time. They surrounded the area and annihilated the entire team of 12 Tigers.

The team returned to base just a while ago but search operations are being continued by another team to destroy the remaining members of the group who are still trapped in the area.

The successful Intelligence Operation and counter-strike come in the wake of changes in Weli Oya to strengthen defences at the front end. These measures were taken following credible intelligence reports of LTTE plans to launch attacks in the rear to collapse troops or redeploy offensive troops in defensive roles.