Fate of Soosai not known

by Shanika SRIYANANDA

Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets bombed an LTTE complex used by the Sea Tiger leader Soosai as his command post situated one kilometre northeast of Puthukudiyiruppu junction. It is not confirmed whether he was present at the time of the attack yesterday.

The sources said that the Sea Tiger leader could not have escaped death if he was there as the air strikes have completely destroyed the complex and the underground bunker. Sources said that with the fall of the last Sea Tiger base at Chalai and the destruction of the Commanding unit of Soosai, the LTTE’s Sea Tiger wing has been completely disabled.

According to intelligence sources, a large number of Sea Tigers has been surrendering to the troops during the past few days. Prabhakaran had frequently visited the location used by Soosai.

SLAF Commander Air Marshal Roshan Goonatilake confirmed that the Kfir and F-7 fighter jets had destroyed a hideout at Thiranapali in Puthukudiyiruppu where a high profile LTTE leader was living.

“ The pilots confirmed that the building was completely destroyed and that they have seen the Tigers digging the place with earth-moving vehicles after the attack”, he said.

According to the SLAF Chief, two prominent LTTE leaders and another 17 Tigers were at the location when the SLAF carried out the air strike.

Refuting the accusations that the SLAF is taking civilian targets, the Air Force Commander said that the SLAF has always taken very accurate enemy targets due to highly accurate intelligence, sophisticated technologies and the skills of fighter pilots.

Meanwhile, the troops of the 593 Brigade has foiled another attempt by the LTTE cadres who came in an armour plated unicorn to enter the FDLs in Puthukudiyiruppu.

The troops have attacked the unicorn and killed over 15 LTTE cadres.