LTTE suicide bomber gunned down in Trincomalee harbour
UNITED NEWS OF INDIA

COLOMBO, FEBRUARY 5: An LTTE suicide bomber was gunned down in the heavily-guarded Trincomalee harbour while five rebels were killed in sporadic clashes elsewhere, on the island nation's 52nd Independence Day on Saturday, officials said.

The Defence Ministry said the suicide bomber, a diver, was killed by troops around midnight as he tried to sneak in with his gear.

LTTE suicide missions have wreaked a heavy loss of life and property on the Navy in the past.

The ministry said five other rebels were killed during `routine clearing mission' elsewhere and a large quantity of arms recovered. The rebels also suffered heavy losses when their bunker was attacked at Soranpattu in Jaffna, it said.

Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.