Nine arrested after attack on Wildlife and STF officers in Kilinochchi

Colombo, July 25 (Daily Mirror) - A group of individuals has been arrested for obstructing the duties of Wildlife and Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel and launching an attack on them during a raid in Akkarayankulam, Kilinochchi.

The confrontation occurred when a joint team of Wildlife and STF officers conducted a raid in the Mukkanpan area of Akkarayankulam. The operation was initiated following a tip-off regarding the illegal clearing of a local forest reserve.

According to the police, individuals present at the location obstructed the officers from carrying out their duties and proceeded to assault them. As the unrest escalated, STF personnel were forced to fire warning shots into the air to bring the volatile situation under control.

Four STF officers who sustained injuries during the clash were admitted to the Kilinochchi Hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities have since stabilized the situation, confirming the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the violent obstruction. Police said that one of the arrested individuals was also hospitalized due to a sudden medical condition.

In addition to the arrests, they seized the heavy machinery used by the suspects to illegally clear the protected reserve. The Akkarayankulam Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.