ICRC withdraws from Omanthai

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has withdrawn from a crossing point between government and rebel held areas following an aerial bombardment, BBC Sandeshaya reports.

ICRC spokesperson from Geneva, Karla Haddad confirmed that the ICRC has temporary suspended its work at the Omanthai crossing point due to "explosion".

ICRC will resume work as soon as the security in the area for civilians is assured by the authorities, she said.

Air force fighter jets had carried out several rounds of bombardments in the Vanni area yesterday (July 01st) and one had fallen within the 500 metre free zone area in Omanthai, civil authorities in the area said.

Vehicular traffic and passenger movements will come to a halt without the presence of the ICRC, correspondents said.

ICRC officials withdrew from the Omanthai crossing point in May 2007 again as a result of threats to civilians and ICRC personnel.