According to initial reports received, at least 17 people were killed and 45 others reported injured when an LTTE woman suicide bomber blew herself at an IDP rescue centre in Sugandirapuram, North of Visuamadu in Mullaittivu this morning (Feb 9) at around 11.40 a.m. A few military personnel are also said to be among the casualties reported.
According to defence observers, LTTE terrorists have perpetrated the attack targeting the civilians in reprisal, for defying LTTE's orders to take-up arms. Exact casualty figures are yet to be estimated as tension prevails in the area. Security forces immediately cordon off the area, while medical units were rushed to the site, the sources said. Women and children are said to be among the many killed and injured in the suicide bomb blast, security sources said. Ambulances carried the wounded to the Kilinochchi hospital.

The LTTE bomber had arrived among the civilians who were seeking protection with security forces in guise. The bomber  blew herself before being screened, the reports further said.

Earlier, LTTE terrorists used a 13 year old child suicide bomber against the advancing 55 Division troops in Chalai on 4th Feb.

~ defence.lk ~