COLOMBO: Fighting between the Tamil Tigers and Sri Lankan security forces spread to new areas on Thursday and the militants took control of more than 30 police stations in Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Mannar districts.
The army vacated two of their camps in Kalmunai in Batticaloa district and neighboring Kalkuda failing to withstand the militants attack.
Military officials said intense fighting was continuing around four army camps in the east and the Killinochchi camp in the north.
Authorities rushed troop’s reinforcement to the affected areas by air and sea. About 5,000 more troops were being moved to the region, official sources said.
‘The defence ministry in a statement said the Thiriyaya and Kinniya police stations in Trincomalee had been taken over by the L T TE and the policemen taken captive. About 800 policemen had been taken hostage by the militants since Sunday night.
The ministry said 22 L T TE militants were killed and several injured in the clash at Killinochi.
Three soldiers were also killed and 12 wounded.
At least five Sri Lankan security force personnel, including an officer, have also been killed.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 22, 1990
