130mm artillery gun found

Troops on search and clear operations in west of Puthukkudiyiruppu, who observed newly planted bushes and soft soil, have excavated on suspicion as LTTE terrorists had buried fuel barrels in this area before their withdrawal in the wake of troops' advances.The stunning discovery was made when one soldier accidentally sat on a big tree.The newly planted tree fell off with the soldier.These soldiers who are from the 5 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (5 VIR) of 533 Brigade have found two 130mm artillery barrels.They were also able to locate the remaining accessories of one complete artillery gun including the wheels of the gun carrier by the evening.

The two 130mm artillery barrels had been buried in 250m distance and they had been applied with grease and covered up with polyethylene covers before they were buried.Further search and clear operation are now being in progress to locate the remaining accessories of the other 130mm artillery gun believed to be hidden in the surrounding area.

This is the first time troops were able to locate the LTTE's 130mm artillery guns during the Wanni liberation offensive.Few days earlier the 58 division soldiers were able to find a 152 mm heavy artillery gun.Troops were also able to find another 2 ,152 mm artillery guns from the east.Intelligence sources claimed that tigers have about 10 more howitzers.But now they are practically becoming useless due to the shortage of ammunition and being out of range since the military is getting closer by the day.