A dramatic pre-dawn rescue operation saves Mahinda Rajapaksa as violent protests lead to deaths and widespread destruction.
Sri Lankan troops launched a dramatic pre-dawn military operation to rescue former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa after his residence in Colombo was stormed by thousands of anti-government protesters. The operation, which involved firing warning shots into the air, was prompted by escalating unrest, in which at least eight people were killed and over 200 wounded during a day of violence.
The unrest was fueled by pro-government supporters who provoked violence among otherwise peaceful protests, which have been ongoing for weeks amid an unprecedented economic crisis. On Tuesday, the Sri Lankan Defense Ministry issued a stark warning, ordering security forces to shoot on sight anyone looting public property or causing harm.
Despite Rajapaksa’s resignation on Monday in an attempt to appease the public, protests continued, with demonstrators defying a nationwide curfew. The crowds gathered outside the office of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, voicing anger over the government’s handling of the economy.
Protesters attempted to force their way into Temple Trees, the official residence of the prime minister, where Mahinda Rajapaksa had been holed up with his family. The situation escalated when at least 10 petrol bombs were thrown into the compound. The military operation evacuated Rajapaksa and his family to safety, though the violence continued to simmer.
