2ND LEAD

SLA steps up night shelling from three fronts on Vanni

[TamilNet, Saturday, 16 August 2008, 11:20 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has continuously engaged its artillery batteries from the Northern Front, Mannaar Front and Ma'nalaa'ru Front with grinding bombardment during nights targeting residential areas in the rear of all the frontiers of Ki'linochchi and Mullaiththeevu districts since Tuesday. The systematic barrage has destroyed several houses properties and cattle abandoned by the fleeing residents besides damaging countless fruit trees. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) were continuously engaged in surveillance over Ki’linochchi and Mullaiththeevu districts during the nights.

The attacks that begin around 5:00 p.m. and last till 6:00 a.m. are directed towards Iyakkachchi, Pazhai, Vadamaraadchi East, places in Poonakari (Pooneryn) and the Chu'ndikku'lam sanctuary of the Jaffna lagoon in the rear of Northern Front. Aanaivizhunthaan and Vannearikku'lam are targeted from the recently occupied positions in Mannaar district and Nedunkea'ni is targeted from Ma'nalaa'ru Front.

Civilians were unable to go to these areas to fetch agricultural produces and to engage in fishing along the coastal areas.

The artillery barrage and continuous surveillance have caused tension among the thousands of internally displaced persons in Vanni.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bombers bombed a remote area in the early morning Saturday. No details were available of the target or the casualties.

Chronology: