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Sri Lanka rebels' air attack on capital |
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Saturday, 21 February 2009 |
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COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CNN -- Two Tamil rebel aircraft swooped into the Sri Lankan capital Friday, with one dropping a bomb that killed at least two people and wounded 47 just before it crashed, officials said. Officials said the casualties occurred in and around the head office building of the Department of Revenue. The wreckage of the plane was found on top of the building. It was not clear if the aircraft was shot down or if the pilot had intended a suicide attack.
The building is two blocks from the Air Force headquarters, which officials believe the attacker meant to strike, according to Defense spokesman and Cabinet Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. An Air Force spokesman, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, said the second rebel aircraft was shot down near Colombo International Airport. Military officials believe the second aircraft had been headed toward the nation's main air force base, which adjoins the international airport. The air force spokesman said the body of the rebel pilot and wreckage of the aircraft lay in a nearby area. An initial report that an aircraft struck a town 60 miles north of the capital was incorrect, officials said. more>>
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