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Rebels launch suicide attack on Sri Lanka naval base in south, 1 sailor killed
Wednesday, 18 October 2006 - 10:36 AM SL Time
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Suspected Tamil rebels posing as fishermen blew up two of their boats in a suicide ambush on a naval base, killing at least one sailor in the first such attack on Sri Lanka - `s touristy southern coast, the military said. Police imposed an open-ended curfew in the town. The suicide bombing in Galle could signal a major shift for the Tamil Tiger rebels, whose decades-long campaign for a separate homeland for minority ethnic Tamils has largely focused on Sri Lanka - `s north and east, which they claim as their cultural heartland.
It also could be a major blow to Sri Lanka - `s tourism industry, with peak season about to begin in Galle and its nearby beaches, a major draw for travelers. Galle, 110 kilometers (70 miles) south of the capital, Colombo, also is home to Sri Lanka - `s main southern naval port.
The suspected Tamil Tiger rebels blew up two of their boats after entering the harbor area posing as fishermen, while the navy destroyed the remaining three boats, the Defense ministry spokesman said, speaking on condition of anonymity, citing agency policy.
All the rebels were killed, but it was not immediately clear how many insurgents were aboard the boats, he said.
The rebels did not make any immediate comment, but the pro-rebel TamilNet Web site reported that a 15-member rebel attack team had entered Galle harbor in five boats and that three boats exploded.
The attack also was expected to further damage peace efforts ahead of scheduled talks between the government and rebels starting Oct. 28 in Switzerland. Both sides this week committed themselves to the talks.
Sri Lanka - `s top security spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella accused the rebels of launching deadly attacks to provoke a backlash against ethnic Tamils that could help them win international sympathy ahead of the talks.
``We ask the people not to fall into the trap that has been laid by the LTTE,`` he told reporters.
A violent backlash by the majority Sinhalese against Tamil civilians could strengthen the Tigers` claim that the Tamil people can live in peace only if they achieve a separate homeland.
It was the second attack on the navy this week.
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Source(s)
• Independent Journalist
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tamilcanuck
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 18 Oct 2006 03:46:36 GMT Report for Abuse
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Raves
http://www.nitharsanam.com/?art=20992
it appears to be a big one!!
Now harbours also out of bounds along with pregnant ladies, autorickshaws, lorries , buses, trucks, motorcycles.
very soon Walking will also be Banned |
sivaraj
Joined: Aug 2006
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18 Oct 2006 03:47:08 GMT Report for Abuse
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SL GOV is paying back for broking radio tower. But only diff is they are paying too high .MR now might think its too stupid for attacking the tower.
One TOWER is making tigers more POWER now you see the SHOWER, SL navy has no COVER! |
pathmanabha
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 18 Oct 2006 03:52:22 GMT Report for Abuse
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Raves
I am from Galle, few suicide cats came to attack SLN.
Wait few more hours, you will know the results |
tamilcanuck
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18 Oct 2006 03:52:19 GMT Report for Abuse
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I wouldnt believe 100s landed but lets hope the ammo depots are history along with some gun boats. would be fun if they could sail away in one of the boats!
how the hell did they sail to Galle without getting noticed
i guess when the defence ministry is clueless why bother with such q's
I am off for the night. everyone have a good night. |
tamilcanuck
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18 Oct 2006 03:55:07 GMT Report for Abuse
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I am from Galle, few suicide cats came to attack SLN.
are you still in your house or running away. reports indicate that civilains are fleeing. If youre home i suggest you hit the high road and we'll find other ways to get updated.! |
Fairplay
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18 Oct 2006 04:02:17 GMT Report for Abuse
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What the heck is this???
LTTE wants South too. If there is a WILL, there is a WAY.
GAHAPANG PUTHA ...GAHAPANG. Beat the hell out of these guys until they submit to Equal treatment of all citizens of this country.
Fairplay |
specialforce
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 18 Oct 2006 04:02:25 GMT Report for Abuse
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5 ltte boats came folks...3 were destroyed and two entered the habour...
attackers attacked from roomassla also...now the atack has ended and two navy boats damaged... |
Dauntless
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18 Oct 2006 04:02:49 GMT Report for Abuse
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None of those elite terrorists will sail away safely :)
It was always a suicide mission... From their side...i hope it was worth it...
Sadly if there are any tamil fishermen in the area...they can expect high security zones, permits, checkups...very soon. The they can complain they're harassed etc :) Maybe this was the desired effect by the 'liberators'
LiarsNet says they came in gunboats :) Must be those 19ft fiberglass fishing boats with a T56 strapped on :)
7.45 is good light...how the hell 'gunboats' approach a navy base unless they were using some hypersonic propulsion system :) |
Thivya
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18 Oct 2006 04:04:28 GMT Report for Abuse
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Good, now no tourists will go to Galle, half of the Singhalese depend on the tips from the western tourists.
Let the Singhalese feel the pain of Tamils, the LTTE must make the Singhalese realize the cost of war.
Edited By - Thivya - 18 Oct 2006 04:05:51 GMT |
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18 Oct 2006 03:41:09 GMT