Israeli-built Kfirs Wednesday afternoon bombed Kilinochchi suburbs as Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar was meeting LTTE Political Wing chief S. P. Thamilchelvan. A senior military official said a pair of Kfirs targeted Iranamadu and a location northwards of Iranamadu following intelligence of an enemy build-up.

The aircraft flew over Kilinochchi shortly after an Air Force chopper brought Brattskar and his deputy to Kilinochchi. It took place against the backdrop of security forces re-gaining Sampur in Trincomalee south.

Air Force headquarters confirmed Wednesday’ Kfir strike. "There is absolutely no link between Brattskar’s visit and the air strike," a senior official said, while emphasizing their right to neutralize enemy targets in northern and eastern theatres.

Asked whether they targeted the LTTE air strip, another official declined to elaborate. "We took targets in the general area of Iranamadu," he said.

Later in the day terrorists hit Muhamalai army defences with mortars. Army headquarters said that troops came under fire at 8.35p.m. Two soldiers  wounded in mortar fire were admitted to the Palaly Military Hospital.

Brattskar is expected to brief donor co-chairs and the government of the LTTE’s stand. During Wednesday’s meeting Thamilchelvan ruled out return to the negotiating process unless security forces quit Sampur.

"As far as we are concerned, the government has withdrawn from the ceasefire agreement," pro-LTTE TamilNet quoted Thamilchelvan as saying. "We consider the Sri Lankan aggression on Sampoor as having put an end to the CFA," Thamilchelvan said.

Authoritative political and military sources said that Sampur is not negotiable.