The United States has asked Sri Lanka to take measures to ensure the safety of Iqbal Athas, The Sunday Times Consultant Editor/Defence Correspondent and his family. The US Government's position was spelt out in a written response on Friday to a query raised at the State Department news briefing on Wednesday by CNN's Zain Verjee to Tom Casey, acting Spokesman. Here is the written response:

Nine civilians including two children were killed and five injured when their van was caught in a claymore mine explosion at an uncleared area in Mannar as the security forces launched a fresh offensive around this Silavathurai area last morning, the military said.