Security Forces successfully conducted a humanitarian mission against the Tiger terrorists in the East by capturing VAKARAI, KOTHALAMADU, KADIRAWELI, VERUGAL and the A-15 TRINCOMALEE-BATTICALOA road to provide relief to the besieged people gave the Tigers a severe blow both locally and internationally.
The LTTE had constructed three camps within 100 yards of the Vakarai hospital making the civilians to live in fear as they were used as "human shields" to conduct their artillery and mortar attacks against the Security Forces. The Tigers had also confined the people to their houses and villages as hostages by mining their houses and neighborhood.
The retreating Tiger terrorists under pressure from the advancing Security Forces had mined the roads and destroyed the PANICHCHANKERNI Bridge which was the only mean to get across the lagoon to Vakarai from PANICHCHANKERNI. The Bridge is now being repaired by Army Engineer troops who are in the process of de-mining the A 15 road to permit the people and public transport to move freely.
The Security Forces and Government authorities are now in the process of de- mining the entire area and making facilities available to permit the people to return to their homes and villages.
Meanwhile three Tigers have surrendered to the Army at SINHAPURA today (21), while 11 surrendered to the Security Forces in the VAKARAI area yesterday (20).
