Another 3000 civilians rescued, LTTE intensifies violence against civilians to win international sympathy

Sri Lankan soldiers engaged in the world's largest hostage rescue mission yesterday (Apr 26) freed 3254 civilians from LTTE clutches.

According to the defence sources, troops of 58 Division rescued 3147 people when they liberated the Valayarmadam coastal village. The group included a large number of LTTE child soldiers. Separately another 107 civilians were rescued by 53 Division soldiers now operating in the Puthukudduyiruppu East area.

Civilians have told the soldiers that the terrorist are now forcibly pushing the rest of the hostages to the Vellamullivaikkal area, where their leaders are currently hiding.

"Tigers set fire to huts where the people have been sheltered, and lead them at gun point to the South before the Army comes", a rescued civilian told our correspondent.