Security News

• P 413 sinks after destroying two suicide boats

Sri Lanka navy sources today (December 27) stated that the Ceylon Dockyard built Fast Attack Craft (FAC) P413 sank whilst being towed to Kankasanthurai Harbour. The craft was seriously damaged during the sea battle erupted in the South of Delft sea yesterday (December 26). Navy's diving and salvage unit is now being engaged in a salvage attempt, sources added.

P413 crew commanded by Lieutenant Commander Lalith Ekanayake yesterday demonstrated the sheer determination and gallantry possessed by the sea warriors of Navy's Fourth Fast Attack Craft Flotilla by destroying two explosive laden suicide craft of LTTE. Having detected the terrorist's sea move P413 along with other FACs valiantly engaged the terrorist boats despite being heavily out numbered by the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Ekanayke made the ultimate sacrifice for the motherland while eleven of his men have gone missing in action.

• Civilians traumatized in LTTE claymore explosion

LTTE elements triggered off a byroad claymore mine this morning (December 27) laid in close perimeters of Kalavanchchikuddi general hospital injuring two including a 15 year old, Kalavanchchikuddi Police said.The claymore mine was tripped to a bicycle and triggered targeting a combine Police/STF route clearing patrol, along the Kalavanchchikuddi-Kalmunai main road at around 7.50a.m, Police sources said.

One Special Task Force (STF) constable was killed while another received minor injuries, during the incident. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area while assisting innocent civilians and patients, who were traumatized due to the claymore explosion.