An update on the War in Sri Lanka
January 5th 2009 02:23
An update on the War in Sri Lanka
5-01-2009
Background
The importance of waterside town Elephant Pass cannot be underestimated. It sits at the narrow gate way between the main land of Sri Lanka and the Jaffna peninsula. Historically it has been the place used to defend Jaffna for hundreds if not thousands of year. Even the Portuguese understood this and placed a fort, later the Dutch and then the British had garrisons there. It is the main land bridge to Jaffna and vital route for goods to be sent. Since the fall of Jaffna to the Sri Lankan government forces some years ago everything going to Jaffna would have to be brought with by sea or air. Both methods are very expensive and with the sea Tigers Patrolling the seas, shipping could also be deadly. During the Ceasefire Agreement there was some land travel through LTTE controlled areas to Jaffna. Yet the situation was limited and could become dangerous at a moment’s notice.
Elephant Pass
Currently the Sri Lankan Armed forces are engaged in a battle to retake Elephant Pass. On the other side of Elephant pass stands an LTTE military base and beyond that is the A9 highway going directly into Jaffna. The control of the A9 means that food and goods now have a low cost safer path with the rest of the island. An announcement of the fall of Elephant Pass is already circulating through some international news sources. Government sources are holding off for the moment.
Oddusudan
Yet there has been an announcement that LTTE strong hold of Oddusudan has been captured by Sri Lankan forces. It was also reported that a huge saw mill used to illegally fell rain forest trees was captured north of the town. The capture of Oddusudan mean that the A34 Highway that cuts across from east to west of the island is also under army control.
Mullaittivu
The next major strategic point under pressure is the LTTE portside base at Mullaittivu. This reported to be the place where the LTTE stationed at Kilinochchi fled to after its capture just days ago. Like Kilinochchi this LTTE strong hold is protected by 3 meter high bunds of earth. Yet unlike Kilinochchi the area is surrounded by dense jungle making this campaign potentially longer and harder. Mullaittivu is currently under heavy attack as it is both a sea base and the new strategic base for the LTTE.
LTTE Leadership
Rumors abound about the fate of leader of the LTTE Prabhakaran. One rumor claims that he is suffering from severe diabetes and another claiming that he has been dead for years. Other stories claim that he is hiding out in a luxurious air conditioned underground bunker in the day and only coming at night. Yet from the LTTE viewpoint he is still charge and giving orders. One possibility is that Prabhakaran will be spirited out of Sri Lanka to save his life. Yet where would he go? He is wanted in India for the murder of Rajiv Gandhi and Interpol also has a warrant for his arrest on charges of murder. He was sentenced in abstention by a Sri Lankan judge for his role in the Colombo Central Bank bombing where hundreds were killed. The former second in charge of the LTTE who defected to the Sri Lanka armed forces Kuruna believes that Prabhakaran will not try to leave Sri Lanka but will instead go into the dense jungle and continue a guerilla war combined with acts of random terrorism. (Very much the way that Pol Pot continued for decades until his demise.)
What will happen next?
We have to bear in mind that the LTTE are still a force that can hold its own in battle. They have been well financed for years and had excellent training facilities for their armies. The Black Tigers were the most feared because they are the suicide bombers of the LTTE. Each Tamil Tiger carries a vile of cyanide around their neck in case of capture. However this has to be weighed against what has been lost in the last few weeks: the loss of Kilinochchi; the loss of the main female training camp; the loss of 3 air strips and the control the main highways in the north of the island. Over 200,000 civilians are trapped in the war zones and many that have escaped tell how others are being forced to stay by the LTTE. A heavy handed approach by the government forces would create a humanitarian disaster. For now the LTTE days do look to be numbered.
Over 70,000 people have been killed in the civil war so far.
5-01-2009
Background
The importance of waterside town Elephant Pass cannot be underestimated. It sits at the narrow gate way between the main land of Sri Lanka and the Jaffna peninsula. Historically it has been the place used to defend Jaffna for hundreds if not thousands of year. Even the Portuguese understood this and placed a fort, later the Dutch and then the British had garrisons there. It is the main land bridge to Jaffna and vital route for goods to be sent. Since the fall of Jaffna to the Sri Lankan government forces some years ago everything going to Jaffna would have to be brought with by sea or air. Both methods are very expensive and with the sea Tigers Patrolling the seas, shipping could also be deadly. During the Ceasefire Agreement there was some land travel through LTTE controlled areas to Jaffna. Yet the situation was limited and could become dangerous at a moment’s notice.
Elephant Pass
Currently the Sri Lankan Armed forces are engaged in a battle to retake Elephant Pass. On the other side of Elephant pass stands an LTTE military base and beyond that is the A9 highway going directly into Jaffna. The control of the A9 means that food and goods now have a low cost safer path with the rest of the island. An announcement of the fall of Elephant Pass is already circulating through some international news sources. Government sources are holding off for the moment.
Oddusudan
Mullaittivu
The next major strategic point under pressure is the LTTE portside base at Mullaittivu. This reported to be the place where the LTTE stationed at Kilinochchi fled to after its capture just days ago. Like Kilinochchi this LTTE strong hold is protected by 3 meter high bunds of earth. Yet unlike Kilinochchi the area is surrounded by dense jungle making this campaign potentially longer and harder. Mullaittivu is currently under heavy attack as it is both a sea base and the new strategic base for the LTTE.
LTTE Leadership
Rumors abound about the fate of leader of the LTTE Prabhakaran. One rumor claims that he is suffering from severe diabetes and another claiming that he has been dead for years. Other stories claim that he is hiding out in a luxurious air conditioned underground bunker in the day and only coming at night. Yet from the LTTE viewpoint he is still charge and giving orders. One possibility is that Prabhakaran will be spirited out of Sri Lanka to save his life. Yet where would he go? He is wanted in India for the murder of Rajiv Gandhi and Interpol also has a warrant for his arrest on charges of murder. He was sentenced in abstention by a Sri Lankan judge for his role in the Colombo Central Bank bombing where hundreds were killed. The former second in charge of the LTTE who defected to the Sri Lanka armed forces Kuruna believes that Prabhakaran will not try to leave Sri Lanka but will instead go into the dense jungle and continue a guerilla war combined with acts of random terrorism. (Very much the way that Pol Pot continued for decades until his demise.)
What will happen next?
We have to bear in mind that the LTTE are still a force that can hold its own in battle. They have been well financed for years and had excellent training facilities for their armies. The Black Tigers were the most feared because they are the suicide bombers of the LTTE. Each Tamil Tiger carries a vile of cyanide around their neck in case of capture. However this has to be weighed against what has been lost in the last few weeks: the loss of Kilinochchi; the loss of the main female training camp; the loss of 3 air strips and the control the main highways in the north of the island. Over 200,000 civilians are trapped in the war zones and many that have escaped tell how others are being forced to stay by the LTTE. A heavy handed approach by the government forces would create a humanitarian disaster. For now the LTTE days do look to be numbered.
Over 70,000 people have been killed in the civil war so far.
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Comment by Cheryl J
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Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
Thanks for your comments.
I am just passing on the news as it breaks.
I have some direct lines to Sri Lanka so I get a lot more news that I am not writing about.
Comment by Nevar
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Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
It will be good news if this 25 year old war finally comes to an end.