9/1/2007

Military sources said that Army soldiers who are presently engaged in a humanitarian mission in the South of Mannar region have come within reach of the Silavattura area this evening (September 1).

Military spokesperson Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe told defence.lk that troops have achieved a tremendous success in the operation that they have undertook this morning.

"Troops have taken full control over the Arippu area early in the day and now they have almost reached Silavattura, he said.

He further told that troops have found one body of a slain LTTE cadre along with many weapons.

When inquired on the safety of the civilians, Brigadier Samarasingha said that a large number of civilians have been given refuge at Arippu.

With regard to the present progress of the operation, he said that troops have almost reached Silavattura, but the operation is continuing.

The security forces today launched a humanitarian operation in the Silavattura area in the South of Mannar to liberate the civilians who had been living under the terror clutches for years.

Meanwhile, it has been reported three civilians with serious injuries have been admitted to Mannar hospital this afternoon. It is believed that the LTTE terrorists had attacked the victims when they attempted to flee into the government controlled areas this morning.