3 LTTE forced recruits surrender with security forces- Welioya

3 LTTE terrorists have surrendered with security forces at Welioya, Saturday (Jan 3) after fleeing from LTTE in Mullaittiuvu, MCNS sources said.

The LTTE outfit had forcibly recruited them, sources said quoting confessions made by the surrendees. They were later directed to Vavuniya, Police for further investigations.

Courtesy: Ministry of Defence

9 civilians seek protection with security forces - Mullaittivu

9 civilians including 2 men, 3 women, a boy and 3 girls have sought protection with security forces in the recently liberated Otiyamalai area, at Welioya in Mullaittivu, Tuesday (Dec 23).

The civilians have fled from the non-liberated Mullaittivu District fearing severe reprisal from the LTTE, military sources said.

The Human Rights watch last week accused the LTTE terrorists of stepping up forced recruitment and child conscription in the non-liberated territory. These civilians are also used as human shields, the HRW further stated in the report.

“Trapped in the LTTE’s iron fist, ordinary Tamils are forcibly recruited as fighters and forced to engage in dangerous labor near the front lines,” HRW Asia Director Brad Adams was quoted saying.

“By refusing to allow people their basic rights to freedom of movement, the LTTE has trapped hundreds of thousands of civilians in a dangerous war zone,” he further said.

Courtesy: Ministry of Defence

37 civilians escape from LTTE hellhole, seek protection with security forces- Welioya

A total of 37 civilians have fled from LTTE captivity and sought protection with security forces at Welioya, Mullaittivu since 9a.m., today (Dec 20).

The first group of escapees, 26 civilians including 14 males and 12 females have arrived at Welioya at around 9a.m., Wanni military sources said. The civilians were locals from Mullaittivu, who had revealed horrifying experiences with LTTE in the non-liberated areas. According to the civilians, terrorists are forcing people in Mullaittivu towards ‘mobile LTTE medical centers’, intimidating them to giveaway at least a blood pint in the process.

Meanwhile, another group of escapees from Mullaittivu have made their way towards Weiloya, and sought protection with troops at around 11.30a.m., after fleeing from LTTE for days. The group consisted of 11 civilians who were later directed to the IDP welfare center in Welioya. These people have also revealed experiencing similar hardships under LTTE, the sources further said.

Earlier, 8 civilians from the non-liberated area had sought protection with security forces, this morning at 8a.m.

Courtesy: Ministry of Defence

More Tamil civilians seek security forces protection- Welioya

Eighteen Tamil civilians who had been trapped in LTTE controlled areas by the terrorists as human shield sought protection with security forces this morning, 14 December.

According to the available sources, the escapees including 12 males, five females and a 4 year-old child are residents of Mullaittivu.

The Tamil civilians who were able to escaped LTTE’s grip arrived at the security forces controlled Palampasi area in Welioya around 9.00 am, have directed to the welfare centers established after proving them with food and other necessities, sources said.

Courtesy: Ministry of Defence

Secretary Defence commends commitment of soldiers in Wanni war fronts

Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera Thursday (11) morning conveyed his best wishes to Wanni ground Commanders who lead brave soldiers in the war fronts and Senior Police Officers serving in Wanni areas during his visit to Security Forces Headquarters Wanni (SFHQ-W).

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka who had reached Vavuniya early morning Thursday (11) to instruct on future operation plans to Wanni ground Commanders received the Secretary Defence and the CDS on their arrival.

Major General Jagath Jayasuriya Commander SFHQ-W later on guided them to the SFHQ auditorium where he briefed the visiting Security Chiefs on present security situation and progress of the humanitarian operations in Kilinochchi and Welioya fronts.

After reviewing the briefings, Secretary Defence issued further instructions to Senior Ground Commanders and Police Officers who attended the meeting on future security measures.

Subsequently, Secretary Defence addressed the troops gathered at the auditorium and appreciated their dedication and commitment.

Courtesy: Ministry of Defence