One SLA trooper dead, three injured in claymore attack in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 22 November 2006, 19:48 GMT]
Unidentified persons triggered a claymore device Tuesday around 4:00 p.m at Gnaniyar Valavu area in Varani Thenmaradchi, killing one Sri Lanka Army (SLA) trooper and injuring three of the SLA road patrol unit on its way to Apoothy SLA camp from the 52nd SLA Division, military officials said. The claymore device was attached to a bicycle left along the road on the deserted boundary area between Vadamaradchi and Thenmaradchi of the Jaffna peninsula.

The dead body of the trooper and the injured trooper were taken to Palaly military hospital.

Meanwhile, around 4:00 p.m Wednesday a group of unknown armed men waylaid and opened fire on SLA troops at Vathiri in Vadamardchi close to Point Pedro Courts. Exchange of fire lasted nearly five minutes.

The armed group escaped from the site without being hurt.

Tension runs high in Vathiri, Alvai and the neighbouring villages as night draws close.