VP and top leaders hiding in Vellamullivaikkal
Military intelligence reports suggest that VP and the remaining leaders are hiding in the southern edge of the NFZ strip in a place called “Vellamullivaikkal”. Vellamullivaikal is close to the 59th division FDL, to the west of this hamlet is the lagoon and to the east is the Indian Ocean. In all other fronts the SLA has the option of moving in from the west at any time, but the scenario in the top tiger den is different. The lagoon near Vellamullivaikkal is very deep, the LTTE is fiercely defending this front and the areas are heavily mined, hence the 59th has not launched a full frontal attack on this area. However, 8 man teams are operating ahead of the 59th division FDL in order to soften up the defences. Barring a full frontal assault by the 59th that is considered high risk, the options left to the SLA are to attack Vellamullivaikal via the A35 (which may also come at a high price) or launch a sea borne attack with the support of the SLN.
60,000 civilians rescued from the tiger claws
Yesterday, the SLA’s 58th broke through the ditch cum bund bordering the east of the NFZ, resistance from the LTTE was less than expected as the SLA took them on by surprise. They were expecting the 53rd and TF8 to move in on them, but it was the 58th that surprisingly broke through. Casualties to the SLA were very low in yesterday’s fighting.
Another reason for the lower resistance was that the majority of the hardcore cadres and their leaders perished in the battles east of PTK. We were lucky in PTK east as we managed to box them in while they were preparing for a major counter attack, luck has run out for the LTTE and they made the pivotal mistake of putting all their eggs in one basket (what were they thinking!). Conservatives estimates suggest that the LTTE has around 100 hardcore cadres remaining and around 2,000 civilian militia and forcible recruits.
Around 80 infantry went MIA yesterday, after being out of touch for close to 12 hours, all of them have rejoined the main units.
GoSL trying to cope with mass exodus
Soldiers and civil servants are working round the clock to cope with the mass influx of civilians. Although the SLA were preparing for this exodus for quite some time, they were expecting around 10,000 to turn up per day, they never expected 60,000 in one day alone! There is two step registration process in place for the civilians - once when they reach the SLA and once when they reach the civil service administered welfare camps in Vavuniya. In what is reminiscent of the Berlin airlift, the SLAF has been in action and airlifted medical staff, food and emergency supplies to Mullaitivu. The SLAF is in the thick of the action.
The deadline for the LTTE to surrender has expired, 1,2,3…..!
EFT
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Sunday Column - SLA makes steady progress to free hostages
Beginning of the end
The fate of LTTE as a military force has been sealed i.e., it has no fate. The SLA has been commended both locally and internationally for militarily finishing off what the FBI branded as "The World's most ruthless terrorist outfit ". Al - Qaeda launched suicide attacks on the New York Twin Towers that killed over 3,000 people, for the FBI to rank the LTTE above their public enemy number 1 means something, it means more as the SLA has finished off the LTTE while the NATO coalition forces are still fighting Al - Qaeda in Afghanistan. The Sri Lankan public over the years were apathetic to SLA offensives to liberate the Wanni, Jayasikuru being the prime example - life went on as normal in the South while the SLA were marching up the A9. The public were convinced that the LTTE were invincible as any SLA victories were soon reversed. What lacked then was the political will to back the military - major offensives were routinely halted whenever the SLA sufferred setbacks, "tactical withdrawls" and "readjustments on the FDLs" were the norms. Such was the extent of the withdrawls and readjustments that the SLA gave up Pooneryn, EPS and Mullaitivu complexes to the orders of the political leaders. The political leaders didn't have the backbone to back the military as they were afraid of loosing the voters who were insisting that the Army stop offensives to save lives. Presumably, the public had only heard of wars where there are no casualties. The sight of ambulances and buses carrying the dead and wounded on Dambulla road was enough to convince them that the war should stop as the LTTE were indomitable.
That was then, this is now - the political and military landscape has dramatically changed FOR THE BETTER. We have a President who fully backs the military, an Army Commander who is steadfast, and a public fully behind the President and the military in wiping off terror ONCE AND FOR ALL. The President does not pander to the international community either, he backs the military push knowing full well that it will upset the donor buddies and white uncles. He even challenged the UN to exert pressure on the LTTE to stop offensives rather than asking the government to implement a longer ceasefire, the UN and the international community is lost on the fact that the LTTE has used previous ceasefires to re-group, re-arm and launch even more attacks. It also does not occur to them that it is the LTTE that is prolonging the conflict by holding civilians and not the SLA. We applaud the military and the political establishment in seeing through the strategy to wipe out terror.
Fresh offensives under way
The SLA started fresh offensives to free civilian hostages 48 hours ago. The 53rd, TF8 and 58th have launched a three pronged attack on the A35 Paranthan - Mullaitivu main road, 53rd and TF8 are nearing the bridge at Vellaimullaivaikkal, 58th is facing stiff resistance on their front. We are seeing heavy casualties as the LTTE has a small area to defend and fire is concentrated. Tiger FDLs are heavily booby trapped and mined and most of the injuries are due to AP mines. 55th are holding their positions just north of Palamattalan and conducting limited 8 man team operations, snipers are also taking out targets. The Navy is on full alert over Tiger leaders trying to flee, night time sea tiger escape missions have been effectively foiled by the Navy's SBS and RABS squadrons. The SLAF is providing CAS and surveillance assistance to the SLA, the aerial pictures and videos are proving invaluable as the SLAF and SLA are able to strike at identified targets. Surveillance is much easier now as the Tiger territory has shrunk to 17 sq kms. The MOD has stopped giving publicity to SLAF missions, reasons for which are undisclosed. Only a limited amount of battlefield news is reaching us as the current missions are extra secretive.
EFT
The fate of LTTE as a military force has been sealed i.e., it has no fate. The SLA has been commended both locally and internationally for militarily finishing off what the FBI branded as "The World's most ruthless terrorist outfit ". Al - Qaeda launched suicide attacks on the New York Twin Towers that killed over 3,000 people, for the FBI to rank the LTTE above their public enemy number 1 means something, it means more as the SLA has finished off the LTTE while the NATO coalition forces are still fighting Al - Qaeda in Afghanistan. The Sri Lankan public over the years were apathetic to SLA offensives to liberate the Wanni, Jayasikuru being the prime example - life went on as normal in the South while the SLA were marching up the A9. The public were convinced that the LTTE were invincible as any SLA victories were soon reversed. What lacked then was the political will to back the military - major offensives were routinely halted whenever the SLA sufferred setbacks, "tactical withdrawls" and "readjustments on the FDLs" were the norms. Such was the extent of the withdrawls and readjustments that the SLA gave up Pooneryn, EPS and Mullaitivu complexes to the orders of the political leaders. The political leaders didn't have the backbone to back the military as they were afraid of loosing the voters who were insisting that the Army stop offensives to save lives. Presumably, the public had only heard of wars where there are no casualties. The sight of ambulances and buses carrying the dead and wounded on Dambulla road was enough to convince them that the war should stop as the LTTE were indomitable.
That was then, this is now - the political and military landscape has dramatically changed FOR THE BETTER. We have a President who fully backs the military, an Army Commander who is steadfast, and a public fully behind the President and the military in wiping off terror ONCE AND FOR ALL. The President does not pander to the international community either, he backs the military push knowing full well that it will upset the donor buddies and white uncles. He even challenged the UN to exert pressure on the LTTE to stop offensives rather than asking the government to implement a longer ceasefire, the UN and the international community is lost on the fact that the LTTE has used previous ceasefires to re-group, re-arm and launch even more attacks. It also does not occur to them that it is the LTTE that is prolonging the conflict by holding civilians and not the SLA. We applaud the military and the political establishment in seeing through the strategy to wipe out terror.
Fresh offensives under way
The SLA started fresh offensives to free civilian hostages 48 hours ago. The 53rd, TF8 and 58th have launched a three pronged attack on the A35 Paranthan - Mullaitivu main road, 53rd and TF8 are nearing the bridge at Vellaimullaivaikkal, 58th is facing stiff resistance on their front. We are seeing heavy casualties as the LTTE has a small area to defend and fire is concentrated. Tiger FDLs are heavily booby trapped and mined and most of the injuries are due to AP mines. 55th are holding their positions just north of Palamattalan and conducting limited 8 man team operations, snipers are also taking out targets. The Navy is on full alert over Tiger leaders trying to flee, night time sea tiger escape missions have been effectively foiled by the Navy's SBS and RABS squadrons. The SLAF is providing CAS and surveillance assistance to the SLA, the aerial pictures and videos are proving invaluable as the SLAF and SLA are able to strike at identified targets. Surveillance is much easier now as the Tiger territory has shrunk to 17 sq kms. The MOD has stopped giving publicity to SLAF missions, reasons for which are undisclosed. Only a limited amount of battlefield news is reaching us as the current missions are extra secretive.
EFT
Friday, 17 April 2009
Soldiers sacrifice their lives and limbs in final push to rescue civilian hostages
(By EFT – Vanni Correspondent)
Bloody battles
Yesterday, the SLA’s 53rd and TF8 suffered heavy casualties mainly due to booby traps while trying to push through the Tiger FDL bordering the NFZ, around 50 infantrymen lost their legs - KIA figure is undisclosed. This was one of the bloodiest days in recent battles. The 58th is positioned to break through the NFZ FDL any time now.
President makes morale boosting visit to Kilinochchi
The GoSL President, Mahinda Rajapakse announced that he is fully behind the SLDFs objectives in wiping out terror. The announcement made during his visit to the former de-facto capital of the LTTE is seen as a morale boost to the SLA high rankers and foot soldiers before the final push into the non liberated territories. The President has promised to deal with international pressure until the tri-forces complete their ongoing mission of rescuing civilians forcibly held by the LTTE.
UN Special Envoy arrives in Sri Lanka
An United Nations Special Enjoy appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon arrived yesterday and is expected to meet the President today. The Special Envoy met the Defence Secretary yesterday. EFT does not want to speculate on the purpose of the visit but unverified information suggests that it has something to do with an UN role in supervising the welfare of the Wanni IDPs.
EFT
Bloody battles
Yesterday, the SLA’s 53rd and TF8 suffered heavy casualties mainly due to booby traps while trying to push through the Tiger FDL bordering the NFZ, around 50 infantrymen lost their legs - KIA figure is undisclosed. This was one of the bloodiest days in recent battles. The 58th is positioned to break through the NFZ FDL any time now.
President makes morale boosting visit to Kilinochchi
The GoSL President, Mahinda Rajapakse announced that he is fully behind the SLDFs objectives in wiping out terror. The announcement made during his visit to the former de-facto capital of the LTTE is seen as a morale boost to the SLA high rankers and foot soldiers before the final push into the non liberated territories. The President has promised to deal with international pressure until the tri-forces complete their ongoing mission of rescuing civilians forcibly held by the LTTE.
UN Special Envoy arrives in Sri Lanka
An United Nations Special Enjoy appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon arrived yesterday and is expected to meet the President today. The Special Envoy met the Defence Secretary yesterday. EFT does not want to speculate on the purpose of the visit but unverified information suggests that it has something to do with an UN role in supervising the welfare of the Wanni IDPs.
EFT
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Back to BAU
Not that business was ever not as usual, the New Year celebrations were a breather and an opportunity for the SLDF to celebrate their victories thus far (and of course to indulge in a bit of morale boosting activities in a modest way at this festive time). The 48 hour ceasefire is considered to be a reasonable compromise under the circumstances and it did appease some international pressure mongers. The political and military leadership are working together to work out optimum and timely strategies taking into careful consideration both military and political criteria inherent in conflicts of this nature. They are keen to address issues raised in all arenas (military, political, financial, economical, etc.) of this continuing humanitarian/military operation.
New joint ops are being carried out between the three armed forces (SLA, SLN & SLAF) targeting high profile LTTE hideouts in the NFZ. These targets include newly built sand/earth bunds and bunkers. As always, the SLDF are following a strict “Zero civilian casualty” policy.
Sri Lanka Navy is on high alert in order to prevent any top LTTE leaders escaping by sea. There were some heavy sea clashes earlier today (15-Apr) involving two stealth LTTE boats. These were designed and built with a low profile to avoid radar detection. Both craft, which tried to infiltrate to Mulathivu area were destroyed comprehensively by the SLN. Among captured weapons were a SAM and a MPMG. All terrorists onboard two craft were killed in Navy fire. This shows the effectiveness of Navy’s defence lines at sea; well done SLN!
There have been reports of suicide attacks against the infantry units. SLA is on alert and are prepared for more of these as the LTTE are left with no options. Watchful soldiers have already thwarted a few suicide attacks; on occasions individual soldiers sacrificing their lives to save their comrades.
Large amounts of hardware have been found in liberated areas recently (30mm HMG, large catch of T56 guns, hundreds of 60mm & 81mm mortar bombs, etc). These findings will continue and increase as intelligence continues to trickle in. However, SLA believes that the LTTE are stocked up with hardware and ammo for them to last several more months. The main problem for the LTTE is the low morale of their cadre, including some senior ones. With a view to “hit where it hurts” SLA are currently attacking pre identified strong points in NFZ further demoralising the tigers. SLA are expecting many will surrender as the tri-force offensives intensify.
EFT predicts 58 Division to progress towards Ampalavanpokkanai, Task Force 8 to advance along the A35 and Division 53 to press on between Putumattalan and Valayanmadam.
New joint ops are being carried out between the three armed forces (SLA, SLN & SLAF) targeting high profile LTTE hideouts in the NFZ. These targets include newly built sand/earth bunds and bunkers. As always, the SLDF are following a strict “Zero civilian casualty” policy.
Sri Lanka Navy is on high alert in order to prevent any top LTTE leaders escaping by sea. There were some heavy sea clashes earlier today (15-Apr) involving two stealth LTTE boats. These were designed and built with a low profile to avoid radar detection. Both craft, which tried to infiltrate to Mulathivu area were destroyed comprehensively by the SLN. Among captured weapons were a SAM and a MPMG. All terrorists onboard two craft were killed in Navy fire. This shows the effectiveness of Navy’s defence lines at sea; well done SLN!
There have been reports of suicide attacks against the infantry units. SLA is on alert and are prepared for more of these as the LTTE are left with no options. Watchful soldiers have already thwarted a few suicide attacks; on occasions individual soldiers sacrificing their lives to save their comrades.
Large amounts of hardware have been found in liberated areas recently (30mm HMG, large catch of T56 guns, hundreds of 60mm & 81mm mortar bombs, etc). These findings will continue and increase as intelligence continues to trickle in. However, SLA believes that the LTTE are stocked up with hardware and ammo for them to last several more months. The main problem for the LTTE is the low morale of their cadre, including some senior ones. With a view to “hit where it hurts” SLA are currently attacking pre identified strong points in NFZ further demoralising the tigers. SLA are expecting many will surrender as the tri-force offensives intensify.
EFT predicts 58 Division to progress towards Ampalavanpokkanai, Task Force 8 to advance along the A35 and Division 53 to press on between Putumattalan and Valayanmadam.
Monday, 13 April 2009
LTTE responds to SLA's Humanitarian Ceasefire
LTTE responds to ceasefire with violence
The LTTE has responded to the SLA's unilateral declaration of a humanitarian ceasefire for the Singhala and Tamil New Year by:
1) Calling it an insult.
2) Hacking to death 8 unarmed and innocent farmers in Buttala.
3) Attempting to breach 53rd's PTK East FDL with the sole aim of slowing the SLA's escape route clearing mission (this attack was soundly repulsed).
4) Vandalising the Sri Lankan embassy in Oslo, Norway.
All the lobbying and protesting by the LTTE in Western capitals was to demand a ceasefire so that the "Genocide" is called off. The Government responded to calls from the International Community (who were pressurised by their substantial Tamil Diaspora voter base) and declared a two day ceasefire. However, what the LTTE did was exactly the opposite of what the International Community (IC) expected of them, i.e., abide by and respect the ceasefire. Once again, the LTTE has shot itself in the foot. Yet again, the GoSL has proven to the IC that the LTTE is not serious about ceasefires, all they wanted to was to re-organise and re-arm, the overseas protesters are accountable for giving the LTTE this chance. Had the LTTE abided by the ceasefire, a civilian exodus from the NFZ would have started, what is currently happening is that only a handful of IDPs are trickling into cleared areas, the LTTE is still keeping them hostage under threats of violence.
The Army Commander has a soft side too
Sources suggest that it took some persuading to convince Major General Sarath Fonseka that a temporary suspension of offensive missions was needed at this juncture to appease the IC, the Army commander after much thought and consulation with this ground commanders agreed to this approach.
Defensive operations proceed with rapid pace, large hauls of arms and ammunition uncovered
The defensive operations have not stopped though. Most of the units in reserve have turned back and are clearing the liberated areas to root out any infiltrators and dig up the buried / hidden arms.
Saradiyel and the comma
The MOD writers with their limited journalistic experience is confusing readers into thinking there are ongoing battles in Vishwamadu and that weapons are being uncovered after these battles, all that is happening is that reserve units are sweeping these areas and uncovering weapons left behind quite a while ago. Some monkey blogs have taken advantage of bad writing by the MOD and are using this oppurtunity to show the dissillusioned diaspora that the LTTE is fighting the SLA in Vishwamadu. Some monkey commentators in these primate blogs are jumping up and down about these non existent battles. It was said that Colonial Era Singhala hero Saradiyel was executed due to a grammatical error by a Singhala Post Office clerk. When the British Governer pardoned Saradiyel, the message to the executioner was miscommunicated as there was a missing comma - the message should have read "Saradiyel maranna epaa, beranna", however the post office clerk wrote this as "Saradiyal maranaa, epaa beranna". Hence Saradiyel was put to death by comma. We could not find an equivalent English translation of the post office clerk's message (whose surname was probably Wickramasinghe / Karunayake / Daluwatta), we ask one of our readers to translate this to English, a New Year prize is on offer. We apogolise for going off on a tangent about the finer points of journalism, but the message to the MOD is get it right first time and uppdate the Orbat map regularly!
Happy New Year!
We wish our readers a Happy Tamil and Singhala New Year! May all your aspirations come true in the upcoming year. Certainly peace is on the horizon.
EFT
Saturday, 11 April 2009
The Sri Lanka Army does not wait and see
While a lot of publicity is being given to 53rd, 55th and 58th counter terror operations, 59th has quietly broken in through the back door. As published before, 59th is just south of Vellamullivaikal, it is possible that the forward elements will launch a full blown offensive any time now. It is raining heavily in Mulla east now, that is normally pre-cursor to a major operation. That is all we can say for now.
EFT
EFT
Friday, 10 April 2009
Hostage rescue operation underway
The SLA is continuing its mission to rescue civilians trapped in the NFZ with renewed vigour. SLDF morale is at an all time high after routing the LTTE in PTK east. It is an open secret that the 59th crossed the narrow waterway separating the NFZ from the Mullaitivu mainland. The plan is for the 59th division to hold the south of the NFZ (just south of Vellamulivaikkal) and for the 53rd to cut off the north east of Nanthikandal lagoon which would bring the entire lagoon (barring the borders of the NFZ) under SLA's yoke. The regular units would then continue working on clearing safe passages for the civilians to escape. We will not comment on ongoing SF/LRRP operations.
The LTTE's Czech built T-55 MBT that was attacked and put out of action by the SLA's 58th division has been repaired by the Mech. Brigade engineers. Test firing will take place shortly, the plan is to induct this tank into battle and fire back at the LTTE with their own tank. Jolly good show we say!
Meanwhile there is no sign of the remnants of the Ratha regiment "DPU" cadres that infiltrated during the early part of March. Intel believes that they have abandoned their weapons and mingled with the civilians.
The LTTE's Czech built T-55 MBT that was attacked and put out of action by the SLA's 58th division has been repaired by the Mech. Brigade engineers. Test firing will take place shortly, the plan is to induct this tank into battle and fire back at the LTTE with their own tank. Jolly good show we say!
Meanwhile there is no sign of the remnants of the Ratha regiment "DPU" cadres that infiltrated during the early part of March. Intel believes that they have abandoned their weapons and mingled with the civilians.
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