The "MV Pride of South", ship carrying troops which was attacked by the LTTE suicide squad in high seas off Point Pedro was able to reach its final destination, the Kankasanthurai Harbour around 5.45 p.m. on Sunday, the Information Department said.

In the attack, eleven Navy personnel were killed. A total of 58 service personnel were injured, of whom there were 39 from the Army and 19 from the Sri Lanka Navy.

Arrangements have been made to evacuate the casualties to the Military Hospital in Palaly. Twenty-nine wounded were later transferred to Colombo.

Three LTTE boats were completely destroyed and four were made disabled. The disabled LTTE boats were later towed away by the terrorists.

It is believed that at least fifteen terrorists were killed and many wounded. Among the killed there were two senior LTTE suicide cadres according to reliable information.

One Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC) belonging to the Navy was destroyed and a total of ten Navy personnel are reported missing who were on board the ill-fated CPC.

As of 16th September, these LTTE terrorists have carried out an estimated 66 principal suicide missions in Sri Lanka, of which ten were directed at prime economic targets, during the past few years, causing mayhem and havoc and claiming lives of thousands of civilians.

The latest suicide attack on ‘MV Pride of South’, the ship carrying soldiers returning after leave to Sri Lanka’s north on Sunday (16) claimed the lives of 11 Navy personnel and injured 58 service personnel. Boats laden with explosives attempted to ram the ship which was carrying over 1,200 soldiers but failed.

On reliable information received, Security Forces on a search operation conducted in the general area of Arialai East, about 4 kms northeast of Jaffna town on 16th September around 8.30 a.m. recovered a T56 weapon and a magazine hidden in an abandoned well.

Troops on a dominating patrol ahead of the Forward Defence Line in the general area of Muhamalai on 16th September had observed a group of terrorists.

Troops engaged the LTTE terrorists with small arms and mortar fire. Terrorists retaliated the fire and fled the area. Troops confirmed that one terrorist was killed. A soldier was wounded in the confrontation.