After uncovering attempts of Tamil Tigers to build crude submarines, Sri Lankan forces on Thursday said they had unearthed a possible rebel aircraft research wing that apparently studied ways to either repair planes or construct new ones.
Sri Lankan security forces engaged in search operations in Waddaikachchi area of Mullaittivu, found several parts of an LTTE aircraft left burnt by the rebels while fleeing from the area yesterday, the Defence Ministry said.
According to military sources, the skeletal parts and several partly burnt pieces of a fuselage and a rotor blade of an aircraft were found in a ramshackled centre in the region.
"LTTE activists have been experimenting clandestinely", the ministry quoted military sources as saying, adding that aircraft manuals, engineering sketches and brochures of model light aircraft were among the items found.
"Lathe machines, aluminum sheets, motor engine parts, nuts and bolts and a stock of other similar tools and accessories were also uncovered by the troops", military sources said.
On November 6 last year, the Sri Lankan Air Force and the army went on an alert following reports of an LTTE aircraft hovering around northern Vavuniya, even as the fears proved unfounded.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Military troops have slowed down operations
Amid international appeals for caution, the Sri Lankan government has said its troops have slowed down operations in the remaining Tiger pockets to safeguard civilians trapped in those areas.
In order to safeguard the lives of the civilians, the military is taking utmost precautions, Sri Lanka's Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghesaid responding to a question on whether the advancement by the military has slowed down.
The UN and other international bodies have repeatedly called on the Sri Lankan government forces as well as the rebels to refrain from fighting in areas of civilian concentration.
The appeals were reiterated following reports that weekend clashes in a 'safe zone' in the northern Wanni region has led to more deaths and injuries.
The Minister said that the suspected LTTE attack on the Wanni civilians last week has also led to a steep decline in the exodus of civilians from the Tiger-held areas to the army controlled regions in the last few days.
Samasinghe also said there was an over-estimation of the figures of civilians having crossed over into the "liberated areas" as some of the families have been counted more than once.
In order to safeguard the lives of the civilians, the military is taking utmost precautions, Sri Lanka's Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghesaid responding to a question on whether the advancement by the military has slowed down.
The UN and other international bodies have repeatedly called on the Sri Lankan government forces as well as the rebels to refrain from fighting in areas of civilian concentration.
The appeals were reiterated following reports that weekend clashes in a 'safe zone' in the northern Wanni region has led to more deaths and injuries.
The Minister said that the suspected LTTE attack on the Wanni civilians last week has also led to a steep decline in the exodus of civilians from the Tiger-held areas to the army controlled regions in the last few days.
Samasinghe also said there was an over-estimation of the figures of civilians having crossed over into the "liberated areas" as some of the families have been counted more than once.
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