Army checkmates LTTE with new Safe Zone

(February 12, Colombo, Sri Lnaka Guardian) The army have taken steps to remove the civilian shield out of the operational areas and repositioned safe zones between Challai and Mulaiththivu lagoon, according to the latest press statement from the Army head quarters, Sri Lanka Guardian learns.

"The 12-km long strip, beginning from the northwest of VADDUVAKAL (09 17 26.60 N & 080 47 10.60 E) to the west, and north of VADDUVAKAL (09 18 06.08 N & 080 48 08.30 E) to the eastern coastal boundary, runs up to PALAMATTALAN south (09 22 17.70 N & 080 42 35.60 E) on the western side. On the coastal belt up to the extreme north, the eastern strip ends at the southeast of PALAMATTALAN (09 22 35.60 N & 080 42 53.80 E). The area between the northwest of VADDUVAKAL to the north of VADDUVAKAL that touches the eastern sea boundary is about 2 km in width and the extent at the northern end of the strip, touching PALAMATTALAN area is about 1 km in breadth.

The entire un-cleared coastal area from the north of VADDUVAKAL in the demarcated zone includes tiny villages, VELLAMULLAVAIKKAL, KARAYAMULLIVAIKKAL, VELAYANMADAM, AMPELAVANPOKKANAI and PUTUMATTALAN in the 12 km-long strip.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has already been informed of this new SAFE ZONE," according to Army statement.

It will be interesting to see how Liberation Tamil Tigers will respond to these new developments.
-Sri Lanka Guardian