Operation to rescue civilians continues, while Praba and his senior leaders plans to flee

By Ruwan Weerakoon in Colombo

Colombo, 29 April, (Asiantribune.com): An operations to rescue the trapped Tamil civilians, who are held hostages by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, are continued by the Military, said Sri Lanka Government’s Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, during the Defence media briefing held this morning.

During the same briefing, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that they had received intelligence reports of five boats being kept in readiness, complete with food and transmission equipment for the LTTE leader, as well for the outfit’s leaders to escape.

Asian Tribune learnt that LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, his heir apparent Charles Anthony, intelligence Chief Pottu Amman and Naval chief Soosai are all holed up in the no-fire zone area. Reports further reveal that they are exploring ways and means to flee, most probably to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the LTTE has ordered the fisher-folks within the ‘No Fire Zone’ (NFZ) to destroy all their boats to prevent civilians attempting to flee the area by sea.

Brigadier Nanayakkara also said that the 58 Division troops had liberated Irattaimullivaikkal junction yesterday (Apr 28) and were advancing further South.

After a massive earth bund was breached by the army, the LTTE had attempted to counter attack the troops by deploying four suicide cadres, two explosives laden bikes and a cab. Those attacks were countered by the troops, by destroying them before they reached their targets. There had been only minor casualties among civilians as they are being rescued.

While rescue operations continue, the distance to the last LTTE stronghold of Vellamullivaikkal, where its leader is believed to be in hiding, has been reduced to only some 4 kms. The Sri Lankan security forces in a bid to rescue the civilians are advancing further amidst fierce resistance by the LTTE, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.

- Asian Tribune -