By KUNA,
London : Three men have been arrested by British counter-terror police as part of an investigation into the Tamil Tigers, Scotland Yard said Tuesday.
The arrests are said to be part of a long-term investigation into the Sri-Lankan-based group.
Two men, aged 39 and 46, were arrested in dawn raids at separate addresses in south Wales and a third, aged 33, arrested in south-west London.
All three were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
A raid also took place in Surrey, outside London, Scotland Yard added.
The men are to be questioned at the high-security Paddington Green police station, in central London.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said “This is part of a long-term investigation into alleged funding and procurement activity in support of terrorism overseas and two people have already been charged in connection with this investigation.
” “It is not linked to al-Qaeda type activity or inspired terrorism. It is in relation to support, procurement and fundraising for a proscribed organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Tamil Tigers,” he added.
Two men from south London have already appeared in court charged with terror offences in connection with the investigation.
One is accused of arranging meetings of the Tamil Tigers and addressing an event in Hyde Park, central London.
He is also accused of amassing a hoard of military equipment including machetes, combat boots, camouflage clothes, spades and handcuffs.
He denies the offences.
Last November, Tamil Tiger leader Colonel Karuna Amman was arrested in a joint operation by British police and immigration officials.
No details have been released of where he was detained or whether Sri Lanka will begin extradition proceedings.