SLA embarks upon capturing attack on civilians, 300 shells explode within 45 minutes

[TamilNet, Saturday, 11 April 2009, 23:13 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) embarked upon intense attack on the 'safety zone', in the early hours of Sunday, targeting a place called Pachchaip-pulmoaddai, aiming for bifurcating and capturing the northern part of the 'safety zone', initial reports from Vanni said. Heavy shelling and gunfire by the SLA started around 3:15 a.m. in the morning, and within 45 minutes, more than 300 shells exploded inside the civilian area of the safety zone around Pachchaip-pulmoaddai. Heavy civilian casualties are feared. Because of the rains, people are even unable to hide in the bunkers which are flooded, reports said. Meanwhile, since Friday, the SLA was building up heavily on the other side of the lagoon in Maaththa'lan, close to the makeshift hospital.

Pachchaip-pulmoaddai is located between Valaignarmadam and Mu'l'livaaykkaal. Maaththa'lan, where the makeshift hospital is located, lies north of Pachchaip-pulmoaddai.

17 civilians were killed and 48 injured in SLA attacks on Saturday.



Chronology: