Sea Tiger training base destroyed in raid: Lanka

Colombo, Sep 29: Sri Lanka Air Force today claimed that it has devasted yet another key training base of the LTTE's Sea Tiger wing in the rebel-heartland of Mullaitivu this morning.

Sri Lanka supersonic ground attack fighter jets involving MIG 27 and Kfir pounded Sea Tigers key training facility in Thevipuram, northwest of Puthukkudiyiruppu at 0810 hrs local time, the Defence Ministry here said this morning.

The LTTE has not yet given any official response to the claims by the government.

The fresh air raid is the result of escalation of conflict after breaking down of talks between the Government and the Tigers and comes exactly a day after the Navy claimed to have destroyed at least three Sea Tiger local supply boats in the eastern coast, killing at least 18 rebels onboard.

The naval sources claimed that the clashes took place late Thursday when a naval blockade patrol spotted a cluster of 20 Sea Tiger boats south off Nayaru, south of Mullaitivu moving towards Pulmoddai, north of Trincomalee.

One sailor had died and while another was injured in the confrontation, the Navy said, adding that there was no damage to naval craft.

However, the pro-LTTE Tamilnet.com claimed the Sea Tigers destroyed three Sri Lankan Dvora fast attack craft and lost only three men during the five-hour long sea battle.

UNI