Last UN vehicle arrives in Vavunia [September 17 2008]

The last vehicle of the United Nations in the LTTEl-held Vanni and Mullaitivu entered the cleared area in Vavuniya this evening. Thus follows a Government directive for all relief workers in Tiger-held areas to leave for security reasons.

Local UN sources said a convoy of 10 aid workers reached the Omanthai checkpoint safely after driving along a road that has been hit by intensified fighting between the Security Forces and the LTTE. The Government ordered all aid agencies out of the LTTE held areas as the Security Forces intensified an offensive towards LTTE-held Kilinochchi.