First update:

Navy continues its Special Rescue Mission in North-eastern Seas: Mass Exodus of Trapped Tamil Civilians still on, Navy rescues 3576 in 175 Boats

Sri Lanka Navy is continuing its special rescue mission in the North-eastern seas to facilitate the mass exodus of Tamil civilians. Naval personnel and vessels have been on special deployment for this mission. Tens of thousands of trapped innocent Tamil civilians broke themselves free from the LTTE clutches in the No Fire Zone soon after the valiant Sri Lanka Defence Forces personnel broke through the LTTE defences yesterday morning. Relieved civilians defying the LTTE dictates have started to make the final exit from the cruel terror grip in large numbers.

So far, Naval Sea Units have rescued 3576 fleeing in 175 boats. A total of 3256 persons in 157 boats has been escorted into Point Pedro while another 320 persons in 18 boats have been safely brought ashore at Pulmudai. Naval personnel have been busy providing medical assistance, food and refreshments to those who have been brought ashore in a steady stream. The Navy’s rescue mission has been executed with tactical consideration for civilian safety and maximum caution to extricate innocent civilians from the LTTE cadres on the last-ditch rampage. LTTE defences are now in total disarray due to the advancing troops’ heavy onslaught. Remaining LTTE cadres, who have gone berserk from the imminent defeat, have orchestrated several suicide explosions and started shooting indiscriminately at fleeing civilians.

The exodus of the innocent Tamil civilians escaping from LTTE clutches has commenced due to the confidence they have placed in the Government Security Forces whose humanitarian operations have helped to liberate the Northern province from the LTTE terror. Throughout the Humanitarian Mission, Sri Lanka Navy has kept in place special arrangements to assist innocent Tamil civilians fleeing from the LTTE clutches. Naval personnel and vessels along with stand-by rescue and medical teams have been on special deployment for this humanitarian assistance mission in the North-eastern seas.