SLA deploys night recon flights to deter LTTE troop buildup

[TamilNet, Saturday, 12 July 2008, 19:01 GMT]
Sri Lanka Security forces, in a new security plan to reinforce defences in the Northern Forward Defense Lines (FDLs), have been deploying Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) helicopters and new generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in reconnaissance missions along the FDLs during nights, sources in Jaffna said. Jaffna residents have reported seeing spy aircrafts near Vadamaraachi East and West, Kaangkeasanthurai, and near Jaffna lagoon, during the last few days.

Residents in Kilaali, Naakarkoyil, and Mukamaalai said that the air-crafts stay in the recon mission for long hours, starting late at night, and continuing through mid-night into 2-3:00 a.m. before returning to Palaali military base.

SLA have been firing continuous barrage of artillery towards the Liberation Tigers controlled areas while the air-crafts air-borne above the FDLs.

Military observers in Jaffna said that both parties, the SLA and the Liberation Tigers, may be anticipating an imminent breakout of fighting, and that the SLA may have instituted the new spy-missions to deter large troop build-up by the Liberation Tigers.

Although Palaali military command has not disclosed any details of the new activity over the air, observers said that several helicopters and UAVs are stationed at the Palaali air-base to facilitate the new air-reconnaissance plan.