9/4/2007

SL Army soldiers consolidating their defences in recently liberated Silavattura, in the South of Mannar yesterday (September 3), captured a large haul of military hardware, including suicide boat.

According to the defence sources in Mannar, the LTTE terrorists who had been occupying the Southern part of Mannar have taken to their heels when army soldiers arrived in the area. A large amount of terrorists' weapons have been captured by the army, the sources further revealed.

One suicide boat, three claymore mines, two T-56 riffles, and 40 Kg of TNT high explosives, 482 Anti personnel mines have been captured along with a large amount of ammunitions by troops clearing the coast of Silavattura. Further , 25 dinghy boats, 25 outboard motors ( 25 HP), and one 40 HP outboard motor were among the other things that have been found.

Earlier on Sunday (September 2), troops gained the full control over Silavattura by capturing the strategically important Sea Tiger base located in the area.

Army launched the humanitarian mission to liberate people living in the southern part of Mannar area on Saturday (September 1). Troops victoriously marched over 15 Km in one day and reached the outskirts of Silavattura by the same day evening.

According to the latest information, troops have marched another 3km beyond Silavattura and reached up to Kondachchi area.

Military Spokesperson Brigadier Prasad Samarasingha yesterday (September 3) told media that road from Mannar to Kalpitiya could be opned in the near future. He further said that this would be possible following the clearing of the road from Murunkan to Mannar and downwards by the troops, which at present is progressing.

The following is the complete list of items captured by the army yesterday: