Fresh offensive in Mannar: 9 killed

Nine civilians including two children were killed and five injured when their van was caught in a claymore mine explosion at an uncleared area in Mannar as the security forces launched a fresh offensive around this Silavathurai area last morning, the military said.

The injured civilians were rushed to the Murunkan hospital from where two of them were transferred to the Mannar hospital. The fresh operation has forced more than 200 civilians to leave the area. Military spokesman Prasad Samarasinghe said the security forces were involved in a ‘humanitarian operation’ to liberate some 7,000 civilians who were living in the Musali area controlled by the LTTE.

At least one soldier was also killed in the operation. He said they were launching the operation as the area was also being used by Sea Tigers who were posing a threat to fishermen and naval movements.