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| Security forces fire anti-aircraft guns in Sri Lankan capital | | | COLOMBO, APR 29
Sri Lankan security forces fired anti-aircraft guns in the capital early today following reports that a suspected Tamil Tiger rebel aircraft had entered Colombo's airspace.
Troops manning key positions in the capital lit up the night sky with a massive barrage of anti-aircraft fire that shook homes and caused panic, residents said.
Security forces also fired tracer bullets into the air after suspected Tamil Tiger aircraft were reportedly spotted flying towards the capital.
Residents heard explosions and firing for several minutes amid fears that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had attacked key installations in the city.
Security forces at power stations, a local airport and close to the President's official residence used high-powered guns to thwart the suspected attack while the power supply to the city was switched off, officials said.
The scare came as Sri Lankans thronged at outdoor venues to watch the island's team play Australia in the cricket World Cup final.
The panic came on the heels of fears of a similar attack last Thursday when the air defence system at the island's main air force base was activated after unidentified aircraft was detected by radar.
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