2ND LEAD (UPDATE)

SLA attacks LTTE medics transport, 5 killed, "cowardly act," says LTTE

[TamilNet, Thursday, 14 December 2006, 11:08 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army troopers attacked a convoy of wounded LTTE cadres transported by the LTTE medics from Vaharai to LTTE controlled Karadiyanaru for medical treatment via sea route Wednesday night around 10:30 p.m. SLA sources said 5 Tigers were killed and a wounded Sri Lanka Army soldier, K.M.S. Ratnayake, who was in the LTTE custody since 08 October and being transported by the Tiger medics, was captured. Meanwhile, LTTE's Military Spokesman Irasiah Ilanthirayan said the SLA has attacked an unarmed medical transport and described the attack, a "cowardly act."

"Wounded LTTE fighters and a wounded Sri Lanka Army man were being transported our medics," Mr. Ilanthirayan said.

"Also, a group of civilians who wanted to move out of Vaharai but not to a Sri Lanka Army controlled territory, were sent in the medical transport," he said.

The ICRC has contacted the LTTE and informed that the dead bodies were taken to Valaichenai hospital and wounded were admitted to Batticaloa hospital, according to the LTTE military spokesman.

The Tigers were awaiting further details, he said.

According to SLA claims more than 9 were wounded in the attack. Five were killed and the wounded SLA soldier was freed.

The attack has taken place at Miyankulam area in Batticaloa district.

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