Mannar, Sri Lanka, Nov 27, 2007 / 09:27 am
Members of the Tamil Tigers shelled a Catholic school on Monday, seriously injuring seven people including five children.
The sound of the shelling reverberated across the area, and many parents and children suffered minor injuries while running for safety. Parents fear the attack has caused trauma and fear psychological problems among their children.
Heavy artillery and mortars were used in the attack. More than 10 artillery shells exploded inside the school premises, defense sources said.
Sri Lankan security forces retaliated by attacking several identified Tamil Tigers artillery launching pads. Security sources said this counterattack saved over a hundred lives and the school itself.
The attacks were believed to be related to the "Tiger Day" commemorations of November 27.