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Vanni Van bombing

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Vanni Van bombing
LocationKilinochchi, Vanni, Sri Lanka
DateMay 23, 2008
14:15 (UTC+5:30)
Attack type
Remote bombing
WeaponsClaymore Mine
Deaths16
Injured19
PerpetratorsSri Lankan Army

The Vanni Van bombing, also referred to as the Murukandy claymore attack, was the bombing of a private van on May 23, 2008 which killed sixteen civilians, including five children. A local Human rights organization, NESOHR alleged that the attack was carried out by the Deep Penetration Unit of the Sri Lankan army.

Background

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There had been series of attacks on LTTE commanders and Tamil civilians living in the rebel controlled Vanni region allegedly by the Deep Penetration Unit of the Sri Lankan army[1]

Incident

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The incident took place when a private van was hit by a claymore mine when it was returning from the Akkaraayan hospital to Kilinochchi on Murikandy -Akkaraayan Road on the May 23, 2008 at 2.15 in the afternoon. The Pro-LTTE NESHOR claimed that the attack was carried out by the Deep Penetration Unit of the Sri Lankan army.[2] Tamilnet, a pro-rebel news website, claimed that earlier in the same day an ambulance was targeted in a similar fashion. It further claimed that the Deep Penetration Unit of the Sri Lankan army was responsible for both attacks.[3][4]

See also

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References

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