Oct 22, 2007 (LBO) - Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels on Monday launched an attack on a Sri Lankan air force base in the island's north-central region, military officials said.
The air force base at Anuradhapura, 212 kilometres (130 miles) north of the capital Colombo, had come under attack and "heavy explosions and firing of weapons" were continuing, AFP reported quoting a defence ministry statement.
AFP quoted local residents as saying gunfire could be heard in the area, while military officials said the army base had been on alert before the attack.
Military officials said they had also detected two suspicious aircraft hovering over the area, but gave no further details.
The Defence Ministry statement said the Air Force base at Anuradhapura came under "terrorist attack" at 3 a.m Monday morning.
"According to available information a small group of LTTE terrorists has infiltrated the air base and launched the initial attack.
"Meanwhile an LTTE aircraft has also dropped 1-2 bombs at the air base around 4 a.m while the ground attack is still going on," the Defence Ministry statement said.
The Tigers have been fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils in the island's north and east, are believed to have a small fleet of Czech-made Zlin Z-143 single-engined light aircraft, AFP said.
The planes are believed to have been smuggled in pieces into the north of the island by boat, and can be flown from tiny makeshift airstrips in the jungle.
In the past, the rebels have carried out air attacks against the airbase adjoining Sri Lanka's only international airport.
Tens of thousands have died since the separatist campaign was launched in 1972
The air force base at Anuradhapura, 212 kilometres (130 miles) north of the capital Colombo, had come under attack and "heavy explosions and firing of weapons" were continuing, AFP reported quoting a defence ministry statement.
AFP quoted local residents as saying gunfire could be heard in the area, while military officials said the army base had been on alert before the attack.
Military officials said they had also detected two suspicious aircraft hovering over the area, but gave no further details.
The Defence Ministry statement said the Air Force base at Anuradhapura came under "terrorist attack" at 3 a.m Monday morning.
"According to available information a small group of LTTE terrorists has infiltrated the air base and launched the initial attack.
"Meanwhile an LTTE aircraft has also dropped 1-2 bombs at the air base around 4 a.m while the ground attack is still going on," the Defence Ministry statement said.
The Tigers have been fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils in the island's north and east, are believed to have a small fleet of Czech-made Zlin Z-143 single-engined light aircraft, AFP said.
The planes are believed to have been smuggled in pieces into the north of the island by boat, and can be flown from tiny makeshift airstrips in the jungle.
In the past, the rebels have carried out air attacks against the airbase adjoining Sri Lanka's only international airport.
Tens of thousands have died since the separatist campaign was launched in 1972
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