2ND LEAD (UPDATE)

Blast destroys SLA ammunition store

[TamilNet, Thursday, 10 August 2006, 16:17 GMT]
A massive explosion at a Sri Lanka Army base (SLA) at Allai-Kantalai in the Trincomalee battle area caused severe destruction Thursday, military sources said. The reason for the blast, which destroyed the camp’s main ammunition store, is not known. Military officials, confirming the explosion, refused to comment on casualties. The ammo dump was seen burning till Friday morning. Wounded Sri Lanka Army troopers have been air-lifted to Anuradhapura hospital. Eight of the wounded have been brought to Colombo.



The SLA camp is located on the Allai-Kantalai road. It is part of the forward area from which Sri Lankan forces are conducting offensive operations against the Liberation Tigers in the Maavil Aru area.

Meanwhile, three civilians, who were experimenting an unexploaded artillery shell were killed in Suriyapura in Allai Police division Friday morning around 8:30, Police sources said.