Sri Lanka

Bomb defused at bus station

Article published on the 2008-04-28 Latest update 2008-04-28 14:39 TU

Sri Lankan military are intensifying the search for Tamil Tiger rebels
Photo: Reuters

A bomb was defused at a crowded bus station in northwestern Sri Lanka early this morning. Police say that they defused the bomb, which was fitted with a timing device, minutes before it was due to go off.

The device was similar to one which exploded on a bus late Friday night, killing 26 people and injuring 63.

Passengers alerted the police to the presence of the device, which was discovered in Galgamuwa, some 100 kilometres north of the capital, Columbo, police reported. Officials said that it contained ball bearings and risked causing numerous casualties.

Authorities blamed Friday's attack on Tamil Tiger separatist rebels. Nine suspects were arrested on Sunday in connection with the attack, as Tamil Tigers began air strikes against military targets in an ongoing battle with Sri Lankan security forces.

The government has intensified attacks on the rebels' stronghold in the north of the country, and claims to have killed thousands of members of the separatist movement since breaking a cease-fire in January.