Sri Lanka security forces ramp up search operations in Batticaloa

<p>Sri Lanka security forces including police, special task forces (STF) and the army, have ramped up search operations in Batticaloa, creating a&nbsp;climate of fear among local communities.</p> <p>In an operation by the three different forces in Eravur’s police division, the homes of several former LTTE cadres were searched.</p> <p>Random stop and searches were also reported by locals in other parts of Batticaloa.</p> <p>The increased operations come after two Sri Lankan police officers were killed at a checkpoint in Batticaloa.</p> <p>The killings have lead to a number of arrests and investigations of former LTTE cadres.</p>