A government convoy with food and essential items to displaced in the Mullaittivu district has come under an indiscriminate LTTE artillery and heavy mortar attack this afternoon while along the A-9 main Road at Puliyankulama, Mullaittivu, according to informed sources in Wanni.

When contacted to verify the incident, sources close to UN confirmed the attack but refrained from further commenting on the incident. The convoy was plying under the UN banner and had just crossed the Puliyankulama junction, when LTTE fired artillery shells fell in close proximity, the sources said.

The government food convoy consisting 50 lorries of food and essential items left the Omanthai Entry/ Exit point at around 12.30p.m., sources said. The UN envoy was forced to abandon the mission in safety of the crew and food stocks, the sources said. According to latest information, the food convoy has arrived at Vavuniya this evening.

The latest attack at the food convoy pronounces the callous disregard of LTTE towards the combined humanitarian assistance and relief work by the government and UN for the stranded civilians in Wanni, defence observers state.