Lanka govt claims capturing of LTTE-stronghold Vakarai in East

Colombo, Jan 19 (UNI) The Sri Lankan government today claimed its security forces took control of Vakarai town, the LTTE's main stronghold, in the restive eastern Batticaloa district and that the rebels have fled the area.

''Sri Lankan security forces are victorious as the Vakarai town was liberated a few hours ago,'' the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

According to the statement, troops, backed by long-range artillery and armoured vehicles, had finally liberated the Vakarai town and hospital used as an artillery launching pad by terrorists keeping civilians as human shields following an hour-long effort today.

''The LTTE terrorists have fled the Vakarai town area unable to withstand the intrusive thrust of the armed forces,'' the statement claimed, adding, the ground troops were presently consolidating their newly-captured defences in the area.

There was no immediate reaction from the LTTE in this regard.

Last night the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) urged both the government and the Tamil Tiger rebels to ''respect the international humanitarian law'' and ensure the safety of civilians and hospitals at the Vakarai town where the warring parties are engaged in pitched battles.

Meanwhile, LTTE Peace Secretariat in a statement said the Vakarai Hospital complex and surrounding areas came under artillery attack by the security forces yesterday.

''Six civilians, who had taken refuge in the hospital complex, were injured in the artillery fire from Mankerny and Kajuwatta military camps,'' the rebel statement claimed.

UNI