Army captures Tiger airstrip


The army, yesterday, captured one of the airstrips built by the LTTE in Panikkankulam, west of the A-9 highway, in the Mullaitivu district.

Troops of the 57th division have captured the LTTE runway, which is 500 metres long and 50 metres wide, in the Panikkankulam area, an army spokesman said.

The troops, dominating north of Vannivilankulam, located the LTTE airstrip last afternoon, about seven km north-west of Mankulam after the area was brought under their control.

The capture of this 500 metre long airstrip struck a major blow to their escalating terrorist acts. However, it is believed the airstrip was not used by the LTTE to land any aircraft. It may have been prepared for emergency use, the spokesman said. It is reported that the LTTE has at least three airstrips -- Iranamadu, Pudukuduirrippu (Mullayaweli) and Panikkankulam and they are known to have in their possession at least four Czech-built Zlin-143 aircraft. (SJ)