Sri Lankan Troops Continue To Pound Rebel Positions
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent Colombo, Sri Lanka (AHN) - The Sri Lankan military on Sunday resumed shelling rebel Tiger positions but insisted they were not targeting those who were opening the sluice gates at a key waterway which has been the cause of renewed fighting between government troops and the rebels. An AFP report said the shelling resumed as Norwegian cease-fire monitors were accompanying members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in opening the Maavilar sluice gates in an effort to end days of fighting and save the volatile truce. A spokesman for the rebels identified only as S. Puleedevan told AFP, "We had informed the Sri Lankan government and clearance obtained. But, as they approached the area, there was heavy shelling and they can't open the sluice gates. Even the monitors had a narrow shave." The military acknowledges shelling rebel positions but said the attacks were not directed towards the gates. A military official said, "Yes, we did fire, but it was not aimed at those going to open the sluice gates. Field commanders had not heard about the developments about lifting the blockade." On Sunday, Norwegian truce monitors were able to secure assurance from the Tigers that they would open the waterway's flood gates surrounding the fighting that began July 16. However, the rebels warned of an all-out war if the military continues with its air and land attacks against |
