23 killed and 67 injured in Buttala blast followed by gunfire

The Attack has been reveals a month ago

Border villages in Monaragala district threatened by LTTE activity

(January, 16, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) At least 23 killed and more than 67 injured, when suspected LTTE cadres trigged a roadside bomb against a civilian bus followed by a gunfire and hand grenade attack in Buttala, Monaragala District this morning, as ceasefire formally ends tonight.

The bus was plying towards Buttala from Okkampitiya in the morning rush hour, when the incident took place, according to Police.

Injured persons are being demitted to Hospitals at Buttala, Wellawaya, and Monaragala.
Police believed the bomb was a claymore mine, set aside of the road and particularly targeted the packed bus to maximise the civilian casualties.

It is believed that many school children also among the victims but, no immediate availability of the identities of the dead and injured.

(by Defencewire)