UN Pulls Out from North

UN has completed pulling out from the northern areas still under the LTTE control after warring factions ensured safe passage to aid agencies. Initially, the LTTE reportedly prevented the departure of the UN convoy fearing increased attacks on the town of Kilinochchi which is base to most aid organizations operating in the region. The town is also known to be the administrative center of the LTTE and the leader Prbhakaran is said to be living there in a network of fortified bunkers. The government asked the aid agencies to leave the area last week saying they cannot guarantee the safety of aid workers. With little presence in the area, aid agencies have raised concern about the welfare of the civilians.

The LTTE has used civilians as human shields in the past to deter security forces attacking LTTE targets.