The UN says that a convoy carrying 650 metric tonnes of food crossed the Omanthai border at 10 am this morning, en route to 200,000 civilians displaced behind the lines of confrontation in the Vanni.

The convoy will transport and distribute food to four locations to the east of Kilinochchi, where the majority of displaced civilians are thought to have concentrated. The convoy is accompanied by 7 UN international staff, who will monitor the initial distribution. The convoy was reduced from 60 trucks to 51 after explosives and other illicit items were discovered on government-provided trucks that were due to join the convoy.

The UN has reiterated that humanitarian convoys are protected under International Humanitarian Law, and has condemned the attempt by persons unknown to disrupt the aid effort. The UN plans to dispatch another convoy next week.