Two claymore mines recovered: troops avert possible tragedies

The early detection of 2 claymore mines laid in suburbs of Anuradhapura and Batticaloa towns yesterday (8) has averted an LTTE anticipated bloodbath provoking a communal backslash in south, while also diminishing LTTE preparations to jeopardize the Batticaloa district council elections scheduled on Monday (10), security sources said.

In Batticaloa, Special task Force (STF) personnel patrolling in general area Pavakkoddichenai have detected a roadside laid claymore mine at around 11.a.m. The mine was immediately defused by STF bomb disposal squads, Police sources said. Later troops also found a flexible wire roll and a 9 V battery, following search operations in the area.

Earlier, a 5 kg weighing claymore mine was recovered near the bund of Basawakkulama tank in Anuradhapura on Saturday morning (8) by SLA soldiers who were patrolling the area. According to military sources, the claymore mine was hidden under a tree which was labelled as to have been manufactured by LTTE.