Prabakaran's main hideout

Sri Lankan Army troops of the 11th Light Infantry (SLLI) under the 58 Division led by Brigadier Shavendra Silva have captured a main LTTE hideout, what is believed to be a major residential site of the terror leader Prabakaran.

The two storied underground built residential complex was located in a two acre coconut cultivated land which was well fortified, provided with all-round protection from adjacent gun positions and bunker locations. The entire area was brought under security forces control following heavy fighting that ensued between troops and LTTE since early this morning (Feb 2). At least 20 LTTE terrorists were killed during the confrontation that lasted for hours the sources further said.

According to ground sources, the underground bunker runs 50ft deep, protected with a 3ft thick layer of concrete. The air force had bombed this location previously, which is in the center of cadjan houses 500m west of the Paranthan - Mullaititvu main road in general area Piramanthalkulama. The underground bunker was fully air conditioned which consisted of four furnished compartments and tiled floors, the sources said adding that surveillance cameras were also fitted at the entrance of the bunker complex.

During further search operations conducted, troops have also found an oxygen plant inside a luxury compartment believed to be Prabakanran's room along with a M-16(new version) machine gun and an insulin container. Troops had also located a deep-freezer inside the compartment. "Four guard points were found located adjacent to the compartment which were manned by Prabakaran's personal bodyguards", a military official said. Three sound proof power generators were used to supply electricity to the residential site and the adjacent bunkers, the sources further said.