A security alert was in place across Sri Lanka yesterday after Tamil Tiger rebels vowed to retaliate for air attacks following a day of fierce battles on land and sea that left more than 50 people dead. A police water tanker was blown up in a Claymore mine attack in the north-central district of Anuradhapura yesterday, killing three constables, the military said. A military spokesman said they believed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) carried out the bombing. Also yesterday the Tigers and a breakaway faction of rebels clashed in the islandÂ’s east leaving at least six guerrillas dead, military officials said, citing intercepts of rebel radio communications.
Already tight security was further strengthened in the face of escalating violence in northern and eastern regions Saturday that saw furious fighting between troops and the rebels. “We have made sure that security is tight,” inspector general of police, Chandra Fernando said. “We are seeking public cooperation to track down any suspicious activity.” Fernando said the LTTE had deployed a new type of sea mine along the northwest coast against a naval patrol, but five divers laying the mines were arrested. One died after committing suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule.