Air Force Base under terror attack

Search operations are continuing in Anuradhapura after the predawn LTTE attack on the air base at the North Central capitale. Media Centre for National Security said the situation is under control.

A group of LTTE terrorists infiltrated the air base around 3 this morning (October 22) and launched a massive sabotage attempt at the air force assets. Also, two LTTE light aircraft dropped two bombs targeting the airbase around 4 a.m while the ground attack was continuing.| According to the available information two Russian built MI 24 helicopter gunships on ground were severely damaged in the attack. Eight airmen are also reported to have suffered injuries in the incident. Meanwhile, it has been reported that a Bell 212 helicopter has made a crash landing at Doramadalawa, in the Mihinthale area during the confrontation was on. According to the sources the five air force personnel including two pilots and two gunners who were onboard the helicopter, have died in the incident.

 This attack came months after the futile attacks on Katunayaka air base and an oil storage at Muthurajawela near Colombo. It was reported that the LTTE has acquired 2 to 5 light aircraft. However, effective security systems at Katunayake air base and important installations in the South has prevented the LTTE from using light aircraft for attacks on major targets