LTTE terrorists exploded a claymore mine against an army truck carrying soldiers who were proceeding on leave from Muhamalai area, close to the Jaffna Kachcheri around 9.00 in the morning on Monday 16th July, the Information Department said on Monday.

Nine soldiers and one civilian received injures and four out of them are critical.

The area was cordoned and search operation commenced immediately after the incident to apprehend the persons responsible for the blast.

All casualties were evacuated to Palaly military hospital for treatment.

Troops operating in the general area of Chiviyaturai West, about 2.5 kms. East of Jaffna conducted a clearing operation on 14th July and recovered three 60 mm mortar bombs, 8 RPG rounds and 10 anti-personnel mines. Later, the Engineers destroyed the recovered items.

Troops operating in the general area of Sarasalai carried out a clearing operation in the general area of Sarasalai South, about 03 kms. North of Chavakachcheri on 15th July 2001 and recovered hundred and seventy-eight 81 mm mortar bombs and two 60 mm mortar bombs left behind by terrorists when they withdrew from this area. Later, the Engineers destroyed the recovered items.

Mannar — Troops on a search conducted in the general area of Silawaturai, about 25 kms. South of Mannar arrested a civilian inside a lorry, suspected to be involved in terrorist activities on 15th July around 5.00 a.m. Troops recovered 3 motor cycles, one 40 horse power boat engine, 1 (one) over — locking machine and 36 packets of welding rods with cash to the value of Rs. 2000/-.

The arrested person and the recovered items with the lorry were handed over to Mannar Police for further investigations.

Trincomalee — A Sub Inspector of Police was shot dead around 7.30 a.m. on 15th July by terrorists in the general area of Alankerni, about 11 kms. South-west of Trincomalee whilst he was on his way to Alankerni Police post for duty. Terrorists have removed the Browning pistol carried by the dead inspector.

Batticaloa — Troops on an ambush confronted a group of terrorists in the general area of Kurunkaiyadi, about 2 kms. West of Kiran around 10.50 a.m. on 15th July. Terrorists retaliated with small arms fire and escaped into the jungle with their casualties.

One solider was killed and troops confirmed that one terrorist was injured. In the crossfire a civilian, too, was injured and admitted to the Valachchenai hospital.

Kanadasamy Kandeepan, a 16-old-youth had surrendered to 233 Brigade Headquarters, Batticaloa on 15th July through the ICRC. Military authorities are conducting inquiries.