Karuna cadres attack key LTTE jungle bases

Fighters loyal to renegade Eastern Tiger leader Karuna yesterday attacked several key jungle bases of the LTTE in Thoppigala, killing 35 Tiger cadres.

An estimated 200 Karuna cadres staged simultaneous attacks on three LTTE camps deep inside the Thoppigala jungles, including one camp of the female LTTE cadres. According to civilian sources and intercepted LTTE communications, 25 LTTE cadres were also believed to have been injured in the attack.

Batticaloa-Amparai Tiger military leader Ramesh and deputy leader James were in the camp when the Karuna fighters launched the pre-dawn attack in Panchimarapadi, Thoppigala. Ramesh had not responded to radio messages since the attack, triggering speculation that he could have been killed or wounded. James, however, escaped unhurt, according to intercepted LTTE communications.

The Karuna faction recovered 70 T56 assault rifles and three Rocket Propel Grenades, according to a spokesman for Karuna's political office in Chenkalady.