7/24/2007

According to the Media Center for National Security (MCNS), Army death toll in today's claymore blast that was carried out by the LTTE terrorists at Cheddikulam has risen to 10. The MCNS further said that seven soldiers and eight civilians were also suffered injuries in the incident.

The LTTE terrorists carried out a cowardly claymore blast targeting an army bus at Cheddikulama on the Mannar-Madawachchiya road around 12.55 this afternoon (July 24). The bus was carrying unarmed army personnel who were going on leave. The injured has been rushed to the General Hospital Anuradhapura.

According to the defence sources, the claymore was fixed to a bicycle, which had been parked close to vehicle owned by an NGO. Police investigations are in progress.

Earlier on the day, Military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasingha revealed that there is a significant increase of LTTE activities in the Wanni front following its ignominious defeat in the Eastern Province. Speaking at the weekly media briefing at the MCNS, he further stated that Army would be compelled to crush the LTTE terrorists in the Wanni area if they continue to attack civilians and the security forces.