Colombo: Sri Lankan Air force fighter jets today attacked a tiger base in their stronghold in Northern Sri Lanka even as LTTE asked priests of the historic Mannar church in North-west to evacuate the premises.

According to an Air Force official, the fighter jets bombed an LTTE training base in Pulopalai area at Muhamalai this morning. The pilots confirmed that targeted training facility was completely destroyed due to the bombardment, the official said.

Meanwhile, defence sources in the rebel stronghold of Wanni said LTTE militants have ordered the priests in the Mannar church to leave the premises with immediate affect.

"Earlier, LTTE had positioned its heavy mortar and artillery guns at close range to the church in order to take cover from the civilian refugees present there," the sources said.

Reports also say that the priests have taken the sacred statue of "Our Lady of Madhu" apprehending escalation of conflict that could damage the church.

It said several civilians have also started to flee from the area.

The Defence Ministry said the sacred area has been declared a no war zone and Sri Lankan security forces have spared the area from military offensives.
Source : PTI