Army elite search for Prabha and other leaders

Several groups from 1SF and 2 Commando have entered south of Valairmadam yesterday with a few objectives to achieve. The area is encircled by the 53, TF 8 and the 58 Division with the 59 Division south of the Nanthikadal lagoon.

Sources told DefenceWire that the groups have engaged several LTTE vehicles and strong points. The area situated just below the A-35 and spanning about 5kms south towards Nanthikadal lagoon is the last remaining LTTE hideout where LTTE Leader Velupillai prabhakaran and other surviving leaders are thought to be hiding.

Contrary to earlier reports, the Army's latest figures indicate a presence of around 50,000 more civilians trapped in this area. Though keen on escaping towards the SLA line, the LTTE, acting as a barricade, seems to be preventing such movement. The civilians are also scared of the Army due to years of continuous brainwashing by the Tigers.

However, the overall figures of returnees indicate that the recent rescue operation was a success. Within the last 72 hours, over 100,000 civilians have escaped and joined the Army. This brings the total headcount of civilians now in government custody to over 170,000.

The two LTTE translators who surrendered to the Army are expected to make statements to the media shortly. Of them, George, the translator for Thamilselvan, is fluent in both Sinhala and English, in addition to Tamil. The Army was also amazed at the skill demonstrated by three LTTE doctors who also surrendered today. They all expressed amazement at the exceptional treatment they received at the hands of the officers and soldiers of the SLA.