SLAF base shelled

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 November 1999, 15:43 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers fired mortar shells at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) base in Batticaloa this evening around 4.45, sources said. The LTTE launched this attack from Paduvankarai area, which is under their control.

Two mortar shells exploded near the forward defence line at Viddathalmunai, east of the airbase. A third failed to explode, SLAF sources said. No casualties were reported.

Meanwhile suspected Liberation Tigers shot dead two military trained police constables this morning around 10am at Kaluwanchikudy, 30 km off south of Batticaloa town, residents said.

The gunmen fled from the scene, a post office, on a bicycle, sources said.

Police Constable M.Keerthi (21) died on the spot and the other A.C.Sirisena (27) succumbed to injuries when being taken to Ampara hospital.

The Police have taken several employees of the Kaluwanchikudy post office into custody. They have been detained for interrogation, sources said.

Tension prevails in Kaluwanchikudy area, residents said.