Security forces now pushing into the last LTTE bastion town at Puthukkudiyirippu in Mullaittivu have come across two partially burnt LTTE aircraft, which military believe were under construction, Thursday (Feb 19). According to ground sources, one craft found was a light fixed wing craft while the other was an unmanned aircraft (UAV).
It is believed that LTTE had been receiving expert instructions, training and material on assembling these aircraft from foreigners who have infiltrated into Wanni during the Norwegian brokered CFA and Tsunami periods under the guise of ‘peace building’ and ‘reconstruction and rehabilitation’ project consultants. These craft were found North of Puthukkudiyirippu, where troops are now consolidating in light of a decisive final thrust into the remaining LTTE garrison town. Several other materials were strewn in the vicinity but were burnt beyond recognition, military said.
This aircraft construction site was well fortified but the terrorists manning its defences were left in total disarray following a swift incursion by the troops, ground sources said speaking to defence.lk. “The terrorists were perturbed by the sudden onslaught and were denied of time to remove their belongings to safer areas but left setting ablaze to the site.
According to ground sources, troops also uncovered several arms and stocks of ammunition, claymore bombs and anti-personnel mines from the site.
Ministry of Defence