The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said over 30 heavily armed men attacked one of their posts at Pullumalai in Batticaloa district last night. The attackers were led by army commandos with the help of a few "paramilitary Tamil militants," it claimed. The army, however, has stoutly denied the allegation saying the incident occurred in the rebel-controlled territory.
"Two attackers were wounded in our counter attack," an LTTE official was quoted as saying on the pro-rebel Tamilnet website. Military sources denied involvement in the incident, but said intercepts of rebel radio communications suggested that at least three Tigers had been killed in the incident.
Vehemently denying any involvement in this incident or any support to renegade LTTE commander Karuna, Army chief Shantha Kottegoda asked the Tigers to produce evidence to back up the charge.
The truce took effect on February 23, 2002 and talks opened in September that year. However, the Tigers have suspended their participation in negotiations since April following the political turmoil in the country. Peace broker Norway is expected to send an envoy next week to try to jumpstart the parleys.
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