Top Tiger leader killed in Mannar

A top LTTE military leader responsible for claymore attacks against the Naval Forces in Mannar was killed yesterday in an explosion in LTTE controlled areas in Mannar. Mahenthi, a Lt Colonel in the Tiger ranks and three other LTTE members were killed when their vehicle was caught in a clay more mine blast in Vellankulam- Thunnukkai road this morning.

Mahenthi was believed to be the man behind the claymore mine attacks against naval convoys.

Several claymore mine explosions were directed against the security forces since November last year in Mannar Military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe denied any security force involvement in the explosion, which took place deep inside uncleared areas in Mannar.

Meanwhile an unidentified gunman shot dead a civilian and 10 year old child in Muttur yesterday.

The gunman boarded a passenger bus and fatally shot the two victims. Another passenger was injured in the firing.

Military spokesman Brigadier Samarasinghe said the security forces suspected the LTTE of the killings.