SLA attack a terror movement -Batticaloa

Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka

The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) says that SL Army troopers have ambushed group LTTE cadres at a location between Meeyankulam and Punani in Batticaloa around 4 this morning (Sunday the 21st of January).

The MCNS further says that four bodies of LTTE cadres have been found and eighteen T -56 sub machine guns, a 12.7mm machine gun and a Rocker Propeller Grenade launcher have also been seized following the attack. The troops are still continuing their search in the area.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports obtained through civilian sources indicate that a clash had been occurred between the LTTE cadres and their rival Karuna loyalists in the uncleared Kirimichchiya North in Batticaloa this morning. Several LTTE Wanni faction cadres were reportedly killed in the attack and their weapons were taken by the Karuna cadres. However, the defence sources were unable to confirm the reports since the incident had occurred in an area beyond their control.

Separately, the Army troops now moving towards the Vakari West have found two mortar launchers of 120mm and 81mm calibre and a 12.7mm Anti Air Machine gun. Defence sources says that the troops are presently engaged in clearing possible enemy pockets that may still exist in the area.