May 17, Colombo: Maldives Coast Guard today fired upon and drowned an unidentified vessel named Sri Krishna believed to be carrying arms for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) fighting for a separate state in Sri Lanka, Maldives Foreign Minister Ahmed Sayeed announced today.
The vessel which was traced last afternoon did not carry a flag of any country and did not respond to the communication of the Maldives Coast Guard. The vessel was shot and sunk after a 10-hour standoff in the dawn today.
Five persons suspected to be linked to the LTTE on board were rescued and taken into custody. One of them were reported an Indian. The vessel is believed to be transporting mortars for Tamil Tigers.
However, the Tigers have denied involvement.
A Sri Lankan military official said that they have asked permission to question the detained suspects as the vessel was heading towards Sri Lanka.
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