SLA attacks Oamanthai checkpoint

[TamilNet, Saturday, 30 June 2007, 16:10 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers launched artillery, multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) and motor attacks targeting the Pu'liyangku'lam-Oamanthai checkpoint, the entry point to the LTTE administered Vanni region, between 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. Friday, sources in Vanni said. The attacks disrupted passenger traffic to and from Liberation Tigers controlled area through the checkpoint, according to civilians affected by the attack.

SLA currently allows people from Vanni to enter the military controlled Vavuniyaa district three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The unprovoked attack by the SLA took the civilians by surprise, and those who were near Pu'liyangku'lam checkpoint ran for cover as shells exploded near them.

Ambulances carrying patients from ki'linochchi and Mullaiththeevu government hospitals to Vavuniyaa hospital, and lorries traveling to Vavuniyaa to bring back food and other essential supplies parked at the checkpoint narrowly escaped getting hit.

The attack violated the understanding reached between the SLA and ICRC, LTTE sources said. LTTE also has lodged a complaint with the ICRC representatives.

SLA stationed at Vavuniya, Mannaar and Ma'nalaa'ru fronts have been carrying out sporadic shelling towards Vanni region from the first week of June. LTTE's Pu'liyangku'lam checkpoint also has come under attack several times, according to sources in Vanni.