Jan 06, Colombo: A group of 16 civilians today escaped from the rebel-controlled areas in Wanni reached the Omanthai entry/exit point seeking protection from security forces.

The group consisted of five males, six females, three boys and two girls.

A group of 27 civilians from 14 families reached the checkpoint yesterday and sought protection. Among these escaped civilians were 11 males, 04 females, 06 boys and 06 girls.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said at the weekly press briefing today that 141 civilians have reported to government control areas from uncleared areas since the beginning of the New Year.

Spokesman said the escaping civilians have stated the LTTE is now short of man power and are forcibly recruiting civilians above the age of 17 years and continuing to hold the civilians as a human shield.