Mar 31, Colombo: Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets destroyed a LTTE long range artillery gun hidden in the in general area northeast of Puthukkudyiruppu, this morning, the military said.

Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the Air Force fighters targeted the 130 mm artillery gun belonging to the LTTE rebels at around 11:30 a.m. local time northeast of Puthukkudiyiruppu.

According to Air Force sources, the attack was launched on real-time ground and air surveillance information received. The artillery gun on a tractor hidden in a thick canopy was firing at the troops at the time, the military sources further said.

"The Army's 53 and 58 divisions were targeted by the LTTE by firing at them from the no fire zone. Having observed the gun, action was taken to destroy it," Army spokesman Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

Sri Lankan military have accused the Tigers of shelling in the no-fire zone despite calls from numerous humanitarian agencies to minimize civilian casualties.