18.9.2008

At least 25 terrorists were killed, 10 LTTE craft reported destroyed, including 3 large attack boats in the coastal waters at Valaipadu, off Nachchikudha, following an intense sea battle between Navy and LTTE, Thursday (Sep 18), since 11.30 a.m.

According to naval sources, the battle lasted over 3 hours which erupted 5 nautical miles West of Nachchikudha, forcing LTTE to retreat with heavy damages.

As the battle progressed, naval Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) and elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) craft were reinforced into the confrontation zone, which launched simultaneous attacks at the approaching LTTE craft. The LTTE boats were led by a senior sea tiger cadre identified as Kadar, military said citing intercepted LTTE communication. An LTTE boat has received damages and was observed towed after the initial interception, according to earlier reports.

Initially 4 suspicious boats were detected off the Valaipadu coast North of Nachchikudha, and confrontation broke-out when the approaching naval craft were attacked by LTTE boats, defence sources said.

More information will follow.