Army 58 Division Scores string of battlefield victories against LTTE - Visuamadu

Sri Lanka Army 58 Division military yesterday (Jan 31) scored a string of victories next to the LTTE terrorists in the Visuamadu area with a loaded collection of battlefield trophies.
Infantrymen of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (11 SLLI) in service under 582 group captured a well carrying weapons LTTE camp located south of Piramanthalkulam last morning.
Troops far-reaching down the A-35 road (Paranthan - Mullaittivu) on west-east alliance came crossways the LTTE camp situated north of the 12th milepost about 11.20 AM. Troops captured the camp after thrashing off the terrorist in a tending battle and establish 9 bodies of LTTE cadres with an assortment of weapons. Two T-56 riffles, one M-16 Light mechanism Gun (LMG) built in the USA, and nine USA made TIPPMAN A-5 air riffles were among the arms found. Also, troops found a fully air-conditioned dugout built subversive in the camp premises.
Meanwhile , infantrymen of 6 Gamunu Watch (6GW) choreography towards Challai pond captured a highly carrying weapons LTTE camp located in the jungle , east of Puliyampokkanal on the same morning. Troops consider that the camp was second-hand by the Black Tigers or the band of suicide bombers. Troops came across the camp on the eastern bank of the Piramanthal Aru, about 7 km north of the A-35 road around 11.30 AM and captured the camp after a heavy argument. Troops found 2 bodies of LTTE cadres along with a big haul of arms ammo listed below:
Description Qty Description Qty
120 mm Mortar Guns 3 RPG bombs 13
81 mm Mortar Guns 2 Claymore Mines 8
82 mm Mortar Gun 1 Arul Bombs 35
80 mm Mortar Guns 2 Detonators 100
T56 Riffles 18 Radio set 1
Multi Purpose Machine guns 6 FMC Pistol Rounds 3000
Sniper Riffle 1 Gas Mask 35
Thermo-baric weapons 2 Helmets 48
Disposable RPG 8 Integrants tools 75
Hand Grenades 59 12.7 mm Tripod 1
Pistols 20 Pouches 35
RPG launchers 3
In the general area Kariyakvayal south, infantrymen of 9 GW attacked a terrorist group detected about 4 km west of Challai lagoon on the same morning. Both earth sources and intercepted terrorists radio transmissions reports long-established heavy compensation to the LTTE. Troops during following search operation found 53 T- 56 riffles.
Meanwhile, snipers deployed in the forward areas of 58 Division claimed gunfire down of 7 LTTE cadres throughout the day.
Counter terrorist operations are being sustained with the terrorists fast withdrawing towards Challai.

More civilians flee from LTTE: Over 100 seek protection with security forces- Mullaittivu

Over 100 more civilians counting 16 children and 38 women have fled from LTTE and required defense with security forces at Visuamadu and Pulmoddai, today (Jan 31).
According to military sources, 63 civilians counting 38 males and 25 females belonging to 16 families have at home at Visuamadu, while 43 others, 16 children, 13 females and 14 males complete their way in two boats crossways the rough waters off Mullaittivu towards Pulmoddai. The last had fled from Valaimadu, a coastal area in Mullaittivu experiencing unparalleled hardships with LTTE, safety sources said.

LTTE underwater vehicles found - Mullaittivu

Sri Lanka Army Task Force 3 found an LTTE undersea vehicle along with 3 other smaller underwater vehicles which are still under building from the Udayarkattukulam area in Mullaittivu yesterday morning (Jan 28). Military sources said that this was the most surprising recovery made by troops so far during the on going oppose terrorist operations next to the LTTE. Three suicide boats and a large haul of LTTE maritime gear were also found at the site , the sources added.
The sources additional revealed , the main underwater vehicle found is about 35 feet in distance end to end and amour plated. in the middle of the other matter found , there were one low bed clip, one armour plate used for bending equipment, fifteen oxy-acetylene welding cylinders, thirty armour plate sheets of 20 ft each, three pedal-type suicide boats, one Dvora-type fast attack skill, a large number of water pumps, two lorries, two buses, one truck, one heavy duty generator, one water bowzer trailer, one bowzer, filled with kerosene, two big lathe equipment, two influential compressors, one welding plant, a number of electric motors, one large lifting jack, many boats and vehicle engines, three hangar-shaped buildings of 75 ft x 15 ft each, fifteen small tiled-houses of 20 ft x 30 ft with full air training and five tiled-billets of 25 ft x 100 ft with full air training.
The discovery was made by the infantrymen of 4 Sri Lanka glow Infantry (4 SLLI) commanded by Major Najeewa Edirisinghe.

With this discovery the LTTE will go down in the the past as the first terrorist association to expand underwater weapons. Also, the LTTE is the first terrorist outfit to introduce suicide bombers to the world and to develop naval and air arms.
Defence observers are in the view that the LTTE has been able to come this far in terrorism fighting because of the leeway given the group by the international community. Until lately, the LTTE sympathizers were given chance to raise money freely in the western countries to buy arms and bullets. The group has been able to function a fleet of ships to smuggle arms, connect in drug trafficking and human smuggling to make money, etc, in many parts of the world. With hired hands in many international media, NGOs and various other front organizations the outfit has been able to portray itself as a release association to the world and in the direction of put international force on the government when captivating military action next to it.
The following movies show their latest payment to the world of terrorism :

LTTE carries out desperate suicide blast - Slave Island

LTTE after its ignominious beat in Kilinochchi has carried out a frantic suicide blast in face of the Air Force camp , Slave Island down the C.A. Gardiner street at 5.15 this evening (Jan 2).
Primary investigations have exposed that the suicide bomber had tried to go into the Air Force camp but prevented by the Airmen at the entrance. The bang has caused compensation to a public transport bus live from Moratuwa to Pettah. Two people have been killed and 22 others suffered injuries in the explosion. The upset have been admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo.
Meanwhile, a being supposed to have accompanied the suicide bomber has been under take into custody by the air men.
Defence observers call the newest bomb blast of the LTTE a frantic reply to its nearing defeat. On Sunday (Dec 28) LTTE accepted out simillar suicide blast shut to a Roman Catholic Church at Wattala killing 6 people and hurtful 29 others.

"Terrorism should be crushed from all fronts", says Secretary Defence

"Today's soldiers, sailors and airmen are necessary to be competent in a wide array of war hostility tasks. We have to tackle terrorism with force to squash it, and crush it forever. Terrorism has to be confronted with military force at every height. We owe it to our prospect generations to battle terrorism in all its forms and to beat it convincingly", said Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the address delivered at the 2nd convocation rite of the Batalanda Defence Services Command and Staff College, on Tuesday (Dec 30).
"As a country we were brave sufficient to do that. We have not won the war yet, the fight is not over, but we are winning", he further asserted.
Fifty eight senior officers from Armed Forces and Police, obtained their psc (Passed Staff College) degree in a impressive ceremony held at the DSCSC.
37 officers from the Sri Lanka Army, 8 officers from the Sri Lanka Navy, 12 officers from the Sri Lanka Air Force and one officer from the Police Department who successfully completed the course here and abroad conventional their parchments from the desk Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Chief Guest of the ceremony.
This is the second convocation of the organization after it was eminent to the rank of DSCSC in January 2007.
Following are excerpts of the speech delivered by the Secretary Defence at the DSCSC on Tuesday.
First of all, let me express thanks the Commandant and the staff of the Defence Services Command and Staff College for attractive me as the chief guest of the commencement rite today. I would also like to praise the staff and the scholar officers for completing another winning route.
I am sure, all officers graduating today have now acquired a bottomless imminent into the use of armed forces in intended operations. You will be able to self-assuredly handle all ready and managerial staff functions in the formations. You may also have cultivated an interest in broadening your vision, professional foundation and outlook. These are ingredients essential for you to be an prepared head.
The time has come for us to develop effective leaders for the on-going battle against terrorism. The importance of military leadership at all levels remains at a high level. In order to win in a counter terrorism environment, bold leadership is an essential quality that all leaders should possess.
Dynamic leadership at every level, from sergeant to general, is imperative. Combat in counter terrorism is frequently a small-unit leader's fight; however, commanders' actions at battalion, brigade and division levels remain very critical. Senior leaders, therefore, set the conditions and the tone for all actions by their subordinates.
Today's soldiers, sailors and airmen are required to be competent in a broad array of war fighting tasks. We have to confront terrorism with force to crush it, and crush it forever. Terrorism has to be confronted with military force at every level. We owe it to our future generations to combat terrorism in all its forms and to defeat it convincingly.
Therefore, we have to confront terrorists militarily. We, as a country were bold enough to do that.
We have not won the war yet, the battle is not over, but we are winning.
Our mission was very clear from the very start. No ambiguity whatsoever. We were absolutely clear that our commitment is first and foremost to the national security. This was the right thing to do. It has been fully justified and has the full support of the public. We have the public support, not only for the military, but for our mission as well.
From the very beginning, we knew our mission was achievable. We knew, we could win provided we have a bold political and military leadership, sound plans, adequate manpower and correct equipment.
We knew how to achieve our mission, but in the process, we had to make some sacrifices. But, those sacrifices are worth it. Those sacrifices, ladies and gentlemen, are to save our beloved motherland from total disintegration. Some international speakers talk about terrorism,
The terrorists are exploiting the freedoms and the legal systems and the civil and human rights that Sri Lanka has guaranteed. I strongly believe that a balance must be achieved between the need to uphold human rights and national security considerations.
I am inspired by the buoyant determination, professionalism and extraordinary spirit of our troops. Their morale is high; their sense of mission is strong; their pride palpable and contagious.
Indeed, very often those confronted with the most dangerous task are those most up for it, most resolute.

Three LTTE suspects gunned down in cordon operation - Akkaraipattuwa [Updated]

Latest reports from the East confirm that the body of the remaining LTTE suspects has been found with gunshot injuries. Two LTTE suspects were gunned down during a Police and Army combined cordon and search operations at Pallaikudiruppu in Akkaraipatuwa this morning (June 10). According to the defence sources in the area, an armed group of 3 suspects had lobbed two hand grenade at the Police and Army personnel engaged in the search operation around 7 am.

The security forces personnel had also retaliated to the attack and killed two suspects while the other had escaped with gunshot injuries, the sources further said. The body of the third LTTE suspect has been found during the search operation short while ago, the sources added.

Meanwhile , the police sources said , an Identity card bearing a name of Sinhalese person has been found among the belongings of one of the suspect. However, neither the photo of the ID card nor the age matches with any of the suspect , the sources added. Further, investigations are being continued.

2 innocent civilians killed, 20 injured in LTTE bus bomb - Polgolla [4th Lead]

The LTTE terrorists have carried out a cowardly bomb attack for the second time of the day inside a public transport bus around 3.50 p.m in Pollgolla, Kandy today, June 6.

According to the available information 2 civilians were killed while another 20 more suffered injuries due to the explosion.

The bus, bearing number cp HE 7503, was plying from Mathale to Kandy via Waththegama, and the explosion occurred near the Teachers' Training School in Polgolla, sources said. More than 20 civilians were onboard when the bomb exploded.

Kandy hospital sources said 12 victims suffered injuries have already been admitted to the hospital following the explosion. Seven among them are in critical condition now being treated in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Kandy hospital, hospital sources further said. Few victims were admitted to the Katugastota hospital too.

The bomb had been planted in the rear of the bus and it had been triggered by using a remote controller.

Meanwhile, an LTTE terrorist who had planted the bomb has already been taken into custody when he was trying to escape the scene, police sources said. A wire role and a bottle of poison were also found in his possession, police sources further added. A search operation is now underway in the area.

Earlier, during rush hours this morning, June 6, LTTE terrorists exploded a claymore mine targeting another public transport bus killing 20 civilians and injuring more than 60 others in Katubedda, Moratuwa.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist organization fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. During 3 decades of its bloody terror war against Sri Lankan citizen it has killed tens and thousands of innocent civilians in village massacres, bus bombings, train bombings, suicide bombings, and etc.












[01st Lead] : Bomb explosion in Pollgolla

[02nd Lead]: Bomb explosion in Pollgolla

[3rd Lead] : LTTE terrorists exploded a bomb inside a bus - Pollgolla

The President condemns LTTE bomb attack

Statement by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the bomb explosion carried out by the LTTE at Katubedda in Moratuwa, today (June 06, 08).

Today's explosion at Katubedda once again shows the LTTE's brutality and lack of respect for human life.

I extend my sympathies to the families of those killed, and offer the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem and all deities for the speedy recovery of all injured.

While unreservedly condemning this repeated act of outrageous brutality by the LTTE, in its cowardly strategy of targeting innocent civilians, I note that this is further proof of the LTTE's frenzy at its major military setbacks in the North, and the loss its hold in the Eastern Province.

In the past weeks alert members of the public have shown commendable courage and responsibility in spotting bombs in vehicles and public places, helping to seize hidden explosives, and arrest persons believed to be associated with the LTTE's programme of terror.

The continued targeting of innocent civilians by the LTTE must earn the outrage and opprobrium of all civilized societies, who can now see the reality of the LTTE's unvarying commitment to violence and terror to achieve its narrow objectives.

This once again brings into focus the continuing battle Sri Lanka faces with the forces of terror in our efforts to safeguard democracy and civilized life.

This brutality also shows the efforts of the LTTE to provoke a backlash against the Tamil people, from which it hopes to gain, although the Tamil people themselves are held in thrall by the terror of its so-called liberator.

I call on the people to remain calm and not give in to deliberate provocations aimed at fanning communal hatred and violence, remain vigilant against the forces of terror, and continue to assist the Police and Security Forces in the task of eradicating terrorism from our country.

Policy Research & Information Presidential Secretariat Colombo June 06, 08

TULF Leader suspects LTTE for both Dehiwala and Kilinochchi bomb blasts

President of Sri Lanka's oldest Tamil political party, Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Leader V.Ananda Sangaree while condemning the Kilinochchi claymore mine attack and the Dehiwala train bomb attack that killed sixteen and nine civilians respectively queried how could the army or paid agents of the army strike so close to the LTTE headquarters in Kilinochchi, as claimed by some Tamil newspapers.

Blaming the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) also for the Kilinochchi Claymore Mine explosion Sangaree said, "How is it possible for the armed forces to reach areas so close to their Head Quarters. Even if one assumes that it is the work of the paid agents of the armed forces, the LTTE must seriously consider winding up the fighting and come to terms with the Government, since their days are numbered. Secondly even if one accepts that army can reach these areas through their paid agents, it cannot be true all the time."

He said, "My strong suspicion is that the Tamil Media is pressurised by the LTTE to put the blame on the forces soon after some incident takes place, merely to gain sympathy from the International Community after themselves doing it either intentionally or by mistaken identity. I call upon H. E. the President to appoint a presidential Commission to find out who is responsible for such attacks taking place in the LTTE held areas and how within a few hours the Local papers claim that all such attacks are by the deep penetrating unit of the forces."

Following is his full statement: "A claymore mine attack at Murugandy in Kilinochchi on Friday afternoon took the lives of 16 innocent men, women and children and also left 3 seriously injured. A bomb blast in a crowded train on Monday left 9 killed, 73 injured and out of the four women killed one was a pregnant mother. I strongly condemn both incidents and grieve with the kith and kin on their losses. This is not a cricket match for anyone to announce the score and celebrate it with a party. How many widows, widowers, orphans and destitute persons, these two horrible incidents had created? One who left home, happily in the morning returns home in a beautiful coffin, some in pieces and some others beyond identification.

Thousands of innocent non-combatants had died and also thousands in the war front. Now we have in our country several thousands of widows, widowers, orphans and destitute persons, not to count those who had lost their eyesight, limbs etc. The pain of the loss of a life is felt only by the victim's dear ones and not by those who promote the war and who gain by the war. Is there no end to this? - is the question every one of us should ask.

"As I had been repeatedly pointing out, the Human Rights Violations continue unabated both in the Government controlled areas and in the LTTE controlled areas, the only difference being that there is transparency in the former and complete blackout in the latter where people open their mouths only when asked to do so.

"I am misunderstood by some for accusing the LTTE and holding them responsible for the claymore mine attacks taking place in their areas. My reasons for doing so are two fold. One is My strong suspicion is that the Tamil Media is pressurised by the LTTE to put the blame on the forces soon after some incident takes place, merely to gain sympathy from the International Community after themselves doing it either intentionally or by mistaken identity. I call upon H. E. the President to appoint a presidential Commission to find out who is responsible for such attacks taking place in the LTTE held areas and how within a few hours the Local papers claim that all such attacks are by the deep penetrating unit of the forces. His Excellency can refer a few selected cases for a Presidential Commission to inquire into. As one who had represented the Kilinochchi Electorate for over 14 years, I have an interest in knowing whether what the papers say are voluntary or under compulsion.

"At least at this stage, if the Government comes out with a reasonable proposal acceptable to the International Community, not out of fear for the LTTE, but only to give confidence to the International Community to take a bold step forward to help to find a solution. Every one who has sympathy for the poor innocent man on the street who falls a victim to the LTTE's claymore mine, bomb or even their bullets must without any hesitation support my proposal. The TULF condemns all types of violence on the innocent civilians."

26 terrorists killed in yesterday's clashes in Wanni

Troops engaging terror held positions in the Wanni yesterday (May 27) claimed 26 terrorists were killed and 15 others wounded in counter terrorist operations carried out in the Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya fronts. Also, three soldiers suffered injuries in these operations.

On the Vavuniya front, troops had several confrontations with the terrorists in the Maruthamadu, Vedamakilam, Periyamadhu, and Palamoddai areas with in the course of the day and claimed to have killed 6 terrorists and wounded 5 others. No soldiers suffered injuries in the Vavuniya front for the day. Meanwhile, troops engaged in clearing operations removed 65 anti personal (AP) mines.

On the Mannar front, troops confronted with the terrorist in the Velakulam Mampuilukulam Veddayamurippu Pappamodai and Nedunkandal areas during the day and claimed 6 terrorist were killed. Further, ground troops reported that at least 10 others were either killed or wounded. 3 soldiers suffered injuries during these incidents.

On the Welioya front, troops engaged artillery fire at two terror strongholds in the North of Janakapura area during the day. Monitored radio transmissions confirmed 11 terrorists were killed and 5 others wounded during these attacks. Further , troops confronted with the terrorist at 2 separate incidents occurred in the North of Janakapura and North of Kiriibbanwewa areas in the morning hours. 3 terrorists were killed and 5 others were wounded during these incidents. Meanwhile, troops engaged in clearing operations on the Welioya sector found 333 AP mines and 4 trapped mortar bombs .

Limited offensives are being continued.

Muhamalai attack: LTTE's defeated aim

Desperation is best seen when an organization resorts to the same abortive measure to overcome its present sorry situation. The LTTE's latest attempt to attack the Army Forward Defence in Muhamalai on Wednesday (April 23) shows nothing other than its utter desperation to resuscitate its shattering image amid ever increasing defeats it suffers at the hands of Sri Lankan Security Forces.

However, Wednesday's battle has drawn a range of interpretations, including some Anti-Sri Lankan forces that call it a great military debacle. The usual terror stooges in media are enraptured on the deaths and casualties of the security forces, calling it a great achievement of the terrorists. A website named "Lanka e- news" even went to the extent of inflating the number army deaths to mislead the public. This website unashamedly said that 143 army bodies had been taken over by undertakers following the battle. By the way, the army casualty figures led to mixed sentiments even among people who love their country, on what has really happened at the battlefront.

Against this backdrop, defence.lk contacted high-ranking military authorities to clarify the controversies surrounding the battle. Army Chief, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka gave a frank and elucidatory debrief of the operation to media personnel at Army Headquarters last afternoon. The followings are the facts disclosed at the meeting.

Well-Prepared Defence

In the Jaffna theatre of operations, the Sri Lanka army holds its Forward Defence positions on three frontiers, i.e. Kilaly, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil defences (see map). The Kilaly and Muhamalai defence lie adjacent to each other while a loch separates the Nagarkovil defence from the rest. The width of the Muhamalai and Kilaly Forward Defence Line (FDL) is about 8 km and the extent of the "no man's land" between these and the LTTE's first bunker line is about 700m. Sri Lanka Army 53 division holds the Kilaly front while 55 Division holds the Muhamalai front.

Defence intelligence reports based on observations made at the battlefronts during last two weeks had indicated intensified activities at the LTTE defences, alerting troops to a possible attack. Increased bunker construction, harassing fire, and artillery/mortar ranging made the troops to plan for an imminent defensive operation.

As explained by the Army Commander, the situation was so obvious that the terrorists had no option but to try again for the Jaffna peninsula to boost its dwindling confidence amid ignominious defeats in the Wanni theatre. As the countdown began for the terrorists to lose Madhu, the outfit made its third Sisyphean effort to capture Jaffna peninsula since 2006.

Offensive sans surprise

On Wednesday around 2.30 a.m., LTTE launched, what may call its first wave of attacks with heavy mortar shelling and ground attack. However, it became the first and the last wave of attack as LTTE met with an unexpected counter offensive by well-prepared soldiers.

Defensive to offensive

It is said in the art of war that victorious armies first win and then battle while defeated ones first battle and seek victory. At the Muhamalai front the army effectively defended its ground that it cannot afford to lose, and caused the terrorists to turn tail abandoning their mission. Then the battle commanders at the front took the initiative to give the maximum damage to the terrorists who were disorganized at the time, by turning the defensive to an offensive. Five battalions of 53 and 55 divisions stepped out from their defensive positions and were on the track of the enemy. Ultimately, the terrorists lost vital ground and a large number of their best fighting cadres to army.

By first light on Wednesday, Sri Lanka army infantrymen captured the LTTE's first line of defence. Soldiers of 55 Division made their way relatively easier than the soldiers of 53 Division, due to high density mine fields and booby-traps they came across on their way. By 6.30 a.m., the whole 8 km stretch of Kilaly - Muhamalai Forward Defence Line was pushed 700m ahead (see map), i.e. on the LTTE's first line of defence.

Enemy fights back

Muhamalai is the gateway to the pivotal ground of LTTE's fighting capability. The harsh sandy terrain filled with mangroves and cactus plants that may be seen as unimportant to an ordinary person, is the pathway to the Wanni heartland. To the LTTE, losing the ground up to Elephant Pass under present conditions means nothing other than that the countdown has begun for its demise. As explained by the Army Commander, the Muhamalai defence is something the LTTE would expend its best resources to defend, and it is not something unexpected by Army.

With sunrise, the terrorists started their retaliation to avoid the army moving forward. Having registered the exact location of their own defence line, which was now occupied by the Army, LTTE directed a high intensity and indirect fire at the soldiers. According to the army officials over 1000 mortar shells mostly 82 mm type was fired at troops. Also, there was an occasional RCL and artillery fire including from 130 mm and 152 mm heavy artillery weapons.

Under these circumstances, the Army started to suffer a casualty rate of about 35 to 40 per hour. By 11.30a.m., the Army tactically withdrew about 100m from the LTTE's first line and positioned themselves at best defendable ground. Within this 5 hour period, i.e. 6.30- 11.30, the Army too gave a heavy beating to the terrorists, using heavy artillery and rockets, while the ground troops valiantly held their positions giving required assistance to the indirect weapon commanders in the back. It is this unwavering commitment of the infantrymen that contributed most to the great damage caused to the enemy (see map).

The outcome

According to monitored radio transmissions, names of 119 LTTE cadres have been declared as dead in the Muhamalai battle at the time of writing this report (see list). Ground troops have confirmed at least 160 terrorists were killed or critically wounded. Further, 300 others are reported to have suffered injuries (see list).

*LTTE casualties evacuated to Government hospitals LTTE bodies reached to the different areas
Location
No.
Location No.
Kilinochchi 50+ Paranthan 40+
Mullaittivu 30+ Mallavi 25+
Mancholai 50+ Mullaittivu 35+
Mallavi 40+ Mullawali 15+
*Equal no of casualties had been evacuated to their own medical bases. Kilinochchi 30+


(Information were gained through intercepted LTTE communication and INTEL sources)

The estimated strength of LTTE in the Muhamalai defence is about 800 cadres and the radio transmissions indicated that 50% of LTTE strength was hors de combat during the battle. In the overall battle for the LTTE, Theepan, and his 2nd Muhundan were heard wailing over the radios to hold the 2nd and 3rd lines which were then requesting orders to retreat. LTTE leaders for the Muhamalai sector were Jerry and Double Alfa (AA) and for the Kilaly sector were Kumanan and Kutti. At one time one of these leaders was heard speaking to Lawrence, the terror leader for Nagarkovil front that all the cadres he had sent from Nagarkovil had perished.

Electronic Warfare cells in the Wanni theatre heard of the transporting of canters and busloads of casualties to hospitals in Kilinochchi, and Mulaithiuvu.

According to military reports, the 55 division lost 20 soldiers and 53 Division lost 60 soldiers, including 33 who were unable to merry-up with troops. Also, 352 soldiers suffered injuries out of which only 169 were airlifted to Colombo, including 109 who underwent immediate medical treatments. It was reported that among the soldiers who were taken for immediate medical treatments, over 30 were due to anti-personnel mine explosions. However, at the time of writing the number of soldiers who made ultimate sacrifices in this battle is settled at 80.

Army lost over 30 personnel weapons during the battle while no damages were caused to heavy weaponry. The mechanised infantry or tanks were not deployed in the attack though some of the armoured vehicles were used from their original locations to give covering fire.

Rationale behind the attack

Refuting claims made by certain parties that Muhamalai was a great debacle, the Army Commander explained his strategy to defeat terrorism and the reality of the battle.

According to the Commander, a veteran infantryman whose capabilities are well better known to the terrorists than many others, the number of army casualties is nowhere near what could be termed a military debacle. He explained that not all battles are cake walks and there will be times like this where the LTTE will be pushed to expend its best fighting cadre and resources but with no significant gain. Few more such attempts will bring the LTTE to its breaking point from which it would soon meet its fate, he explained. This is the army's present strategy to fight terrorism, he added.

Explaining the present situation further, the Army Chief said that LTTE has been so reluctant to spend his best fighting cadres after the fall of the East. At present, it is encountering a severe manpower shortage and the majority of the cadres deployed in the Wanni fronts have been found to be forcibly conscripted youths, sea tigers and those recruited for the tiger police, he said. The strategy would be to push the LTTE to introduce its best fighting reserve to the battlefront and to meet them with equal force, he added.

Speaking on the day of the 2nd anniversary of the failed suicide bomb blast attempt on his life, the Army Chief said that his soldiers know the reality of battle and they are well prepared to meet the enemy.

He further explained that previous strategies used were aimed at gaining the ground rather than destroying the enemy. This resulted in many military setbacks through which the LTTE built its huge image as an impregnable terrorist outfit. Now the soldiers have not only challenged the LTTE's image but also put the terrorists into an utterly desperate situation.

The Army Chief explained that there are some people who may gain some sadistic pleasure by hearing of a high rate of army casualties. These people would not be satisfied by whatever casualty figures given by army and would continue to inflate the figures to damage and belittle soldiers' sacrifices. He emphasized that "all these soldiers have died in fighting for the country fearlessly but not while running away from the enemy. Soldiers know the risk that they have to take in defeating terrorism and are ready to do it," he said. "It is a great shame that some degrade their commitment," he added.

Speaking about the enemy, the Army Chief said he would never underestimate the enemy. He said the LTTE has been fighting for over 30 years and thus was well organized and highly battle-oriented. If such an organization has been allowed to develop to its present extent, the battle to defeat it should not be expected to be one without own casualties, he said. The important fact is that the soldiers now have the necessary equipment, and high morale backed by the right political leadership to meet this challenge, he added.

Finally, the Army Commander said that during his term of office he has prepared all the battlefronts to meet this challenge. For the Jaffna front alone, the strength has been increased from 27,000 to 34,000 with an additional two reserve divisions to meet the enemy. He expressed his confidence that if the present trend continues the battle will definitely take a decisive turn before the end of this year.

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LTTE beaten off as troops capture defence positions, Jaffna; Over 100 terrorists killed

LTTE fires artillery to a civilian settlement - Welioya

LTTE terrorists have launched artillery shells indiscriminately towards a civilian settlement at Sripura in Welioya this morning, April 30.

According to the available information, terrorists have fired few artillery shells from 9.30 am. It is observed that terrorists have attacked with their heavy guns located at North West of Welioya, sources said.

A 66 year-old civilian who received injuries was admitted to the Sripura hospital immediately for medical attention, sources added.

Security forces have retaliated with heavy guns targeting LTTE gun positions, defence sources in Welioya added.

EU condemns Piliyandala bus attack

The European Union (EU) on Monday condemned the latest terror attack in Piliyandala which killed 26 people and wounded many others last Friday.

"I firmly condemn this new indiscriminate terrorist attack against innocent people," Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External relations and European Neighborhood Policy, said in a statement.

The commissioner said she was "profoundly shocked" by the horrific attack on civilians in a bus.

"This is totally unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances," she stressed.

"My thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured in this attack," she added.

Courtesy: Xinhua

LTTE building complex adjacent to Iranmadhu air stripe bombed

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets attacked a building complex located adjacent to the air stripe maintained by the LTTE terrorists in Irnamdadhu jungle this morning. According to, the Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Andrew Wijesuriya, the air strike was launched around 9.45 am.

Air force sources confirmed that the buildings were inflicted with severe damages. However, casualties to the terrorists is yet be ascertained, he added.

LTTE terrorists commit bloodbath against civilians; 26 killed and over 64 wounded - Piliyandala [Updated]

LTTE terrorists have carried out a cowardly bomb attack targeting innocent civilians who were returning home after office hours at Pliyandala this evening. According to the police sources, the bomb has been exploded inside a Ceylon Transport Board bus at Piliyandala public bus stand. 26 people including a Buddhist incumbent have been killed and over 64 people have suffered injuries, the sources added.

Most of the victims received injuries were admitted to the teaching hospital at Kalubowila while other were rushed to the Piliyandala hospital, sources added.

The explosion occurred when the bus just taken out from the stand for moving its destination, Kahapola, sources further said.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit notorious for committing crimes against innocent civilians. In its pursuit for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils, the outfit has killed and maimed over tens and innocent people in routine bus bombing , train bombing, village massacres and etc.

EU decides to proscribe Internet use by terrorist organisations including LTTE

European Union, at a conference attended by Justice and Interior Affairs Ministers has agreed to proscribe the use of Internet by terrorist and armed outfits in the world, including the LTTE.

The decision was reached at a conference attended by Justice and Interior Affairs Ministers. It is not a secret that terrorist organisations were raising funds and carrying out their propaganda through the internet. The meeting was held in Luxembourg.

Reflecting mounting anxiety that the Internet has become a crucial tool for would-be terrorists, the agreement will make it a crime to disseminate terrorism propaganda through the Internet for recruiting, training and bomb-making purposes.

It was decided to encourage all European Union member nations to enact laws to thwart terrorists and armed groups using Internet. The Ministers were unanimous in stating the intent to put an end to rackets undertaken by terrorist organisations with the help of Internet.

The new rules are aimed at codifying terrorist crimes among countries with very different histories and experiences with terrorism, with the goal of preventing radicalization and helping police locate and arrest suspects in cross-border investigations.

The ministers said in a statement that the initiative would help "equip our legal systems across the EU with the adequate tools to bring to justice the criminals who spread violent propaganda providing terrorism tactics and instructions on how to manufacture and use bombs or explosives to provoke others to commit terrorist acts."

The agreement updates anti-terror laws passed by the European Union after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in the United States that were aimed at preventing terrorists from exploiting loopholes in various legal systems across the Continent.

It should make it easier for police to shut down Web sites disseminating terrorist propaganda and bomb-making instructions and to identify and pursue proselytizers and recruiters. It could also help courts and administrative authorities to demand that Internet service providers remove information considered dangerous.

Courtesy: Government Information Department

Madhu church open to public soon

Security forces hand over shrine to Mannar Bishop:

Making another military pledge a reality, the centuries-old sacred Madhu Church, where all communities worshipped will be opened to the public soon for the annual feast. The shrine was liberated by the Security Forces from LTTE terrorists.

The sacred Madhu Shrine which was liberated from LTTE terrorists was handed over to Rev. Fr. Victor Susai, Vicar General of Mannar, who accepted it on behalf of the Bishop of Mannar yesterday.

Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka called upon those who removed the statue of Our Lady of Madhu to bring it back to the church.

"Those who were in charge of the statue have the responsibility of bringing it back", he said adding that the Madhu area would be declared as a security zone and pilgrims would be provided all facilities to worship at the shrine.

The Madhu shrine, where thousands of pilgrims gather during the August church feast was under the clutches of the LTTE from 1999. The shrine area later became a military base for the LTTE positioning its heavy guns around the church premises.

The LTTE used the shrine as a shield to avoid military offensives within the 'No War Zone' and the Army was compelled to refrain from attacking the terrorists because of the sacred shrine complex.

Lt. Gen. Fonseka said that the 57 division supported by the Light Infantry unit tactically forced the terrorists who occupied the shrine to withdraw but the fleeing terrorists damaged the roof of the main church and the adjoining hall.

According to Lt. Gen. Fonseka, the area has been heavily mined with anti personnel mines and booby traps and bunkers have been erected around the shrine. "The military will soon complete clearing the mines", he said.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

Muhamalai attack: LTTE's defeated aim

Desperation is best seen when an organization resorts to the same abortive measure to overcome its present sorry situation. The LTTE's latest attempt to attack the Army Forward Defence in Muhamalai on Wednesday (April 23) shows nothing other than its utter desperation to resuscitate its shattering image amid ever increasing defeats it suffers at the hands of Sri Lankan Security Forces.

However, Wednesday's battle has drawn a range of interpretations, including some Anti-Sri Lankan forces that call it a great military debacle. The usual terror stooges in media are enraptured on the deaths and casualties of the security forces, calling it a great achievement of the terrorists. A website named "Lanka e- news" even went to the extent of inflating the number army deaths to mislead the public. This website unashamedly said that 143 army bodies had been taken over by undertakers following the battle. By the way, the army casualty figures led to mixed sentiments even among people who love their country, on what has really happened at the battlefront.

Against this backdrop, defence.lk contacted high-ranking military authorities to clarify the controversies surrounding the battle. Army Chief, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka gave a frank and elucidatory debrief of the operation to media personnel at Army Headquarters last afternoon. The followings are the facts disclosed at the meeting.

Well-Prepared Defence

In the Jaffna theatre of operations, the Sri Lanka army holds its Forward Defence positions on three frontiers,i.e. Kilaly, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil defences (see map). The Kilaly and Muhamalai defence lie adjacent to each other while a loch separates the Nagarkovil defence from the rest. The width of the Muhamalai and Kilaly Forward Defence Line (FDL) is about 8 km and the extent of the "no man's land" between these and the LTTE's first bunker line is about 700m. Sri Lanka Army 53 division holds the Kilaly front while 55 Division holds the Muhamalai front.

Defence intelligence reports based on observations made at the battlefronts during last two weeks had indicated intensified activities at the LTTE defences, alerting troops to a possible attack. Increased bunker construction, harassing fire, and artillery/mortar ranging made the troops to plan for an imminent defensive operation.

As explained by the Army Commander, the situation was so obvious that the terrorists had no option but to try again for the Jaffna peninsula to boost its dwindling confidence amid ignominious defeats in the Wanni theatre. As the countdown began for the terrorists to lose Madhu, the outfit made its third Sisyphean effort to capture Jaffna peninsula since 2006.

Offensive sans surprise

On Wednesday around 2.30 a.m., LTTE launched, what may call its first wave of attacks with heavy mortar shelling and ground attack. However, it became the first and the last wave of attack as LTTE met with an unexpected counter offensive by well-prepared soldiers.

Defensive to offensive

It is said in the art of war that victorious armies first win and then battle while defeated ones first battle and seek victory. At the Muhamalai front the army effectively defended its ground that it cannot afford to lose, and caused the terrorists to turn tail abandoning their mission. Then the battle commanders at the front took the initiative to give the maximum damage to the terrorists who were disorganized at the time, by turning the defensive to an offensive. Five battalions of 53 and 55 divisions stepped out from their defensive positions and were on the track of the enemy. Ultimately, the terrorists lost vital ground and a large number of their best fighting cadres to army.

By first light on Wednesday, Sri Lanka army infantrymen captured the LTTE's first line of defence. Soldiers of 55Division made their way relatively easier than the soldiers of 53 Division, due to high density mine fields and booby-traps they came across on their way. By 6.30 a.m., the whole 8 km stretch of Kilaly - Muhamalai Forward Defence Line was pushed 700m ahead (see map), i.e. on the LTTE's first line of defence.

Enemy fights back

Muhamalai is the gateway to the pivotal ground of LTTE's fighting capability. The harsh sandy terrain filled with mangroves and cactus plants that may be seen as unimportant to an ordinary person, is the pathway to the Wanni heartland. To the LTTE, losing the ground up to Elephant Pass under present conditions means nothing other than that the countdown has begun for its demise. As explained by the Army Commander, the Muhamalai defence is something the LTTE would expend its best resources to defend, and it is not something unexpected by Army.

With sunrise, the terrorists started their retaliation to avoid the army moving forward. Having registered the exact location of their own defence line, which was now occupied by the Army, LTTE directed a high intensity and indirect fire at the soldiers. According to the army officials over 1000 mortar shells mostly 82 mm type was fired at troops. Also, there was an occasional RCL and artillery fire including from 130 mm and 152 mm heavy artillery weapons.

Under these circumstances, the Army started to suffer a casualty rate of about 35 to 40 per hour. By11.30a.m., the Army tactically withdrew about 100m from the LTTE's first line and positioned themselves at best defendable ground. Within this 5 hour period, i.e. 6.30- 11.30, the Army too gave a heavy beating to the terrorists, using heavy artillery and rockets, while the ground troops valiantly held their positions giving required assistance to the indirect weapon commanders in the back. It is this unwavering commitment of the infantrymen that contributed most to the great damage caused to the enemy (see map).

The outcome

According to monitored radio transmissions, names of 119 LTTE cadres have been declared as dead in the Muhamalai battle at the time of writing this report (see list). Ground troops have confirmed at least 160 terrorists were killed or critically wounded. Further, 300 others are reported to have suffered injuries (see list).

The estimated strength of LTTE in the Muhamalai defence is about 800 cadres and the radio transmissions indicated that 50% of LTTE strength was hors de combat during the battle. In the overall battle for the LTTE, Theepan, and his 2nd Muhundan were heard wailing over the radios to hold the 2nd and 3rd lines which were then requesting orders to retreat. LTTE leaders for the Muhamalai sector were Jerry and Double Alfa (AA) and for the Kilaly sector were Kumanan and Kutti. At one time one of these leaders was heard speaking to Lawrence, the terror leader for Nagarkovil front that all the cadres he had sent from Nagarkovil had perished.

Electronic Warfare cells in the Wanni theatre heard of the transporting of canters and busloads of casualties to hospitals in Kilinochchi, and Mulaithiuvu.

According to military reports, the 55 division lost 20 soldiers and 53 Division lost 60 soldiers, including 33 who were unable to merry-up with troops. Also, 352 soldiers suffered injuries out of which only 169 were airlifted to Colombo, including 109 who underwent immediate medical treatments. It was reported that among the soldiers who were taken for immediate medical treatments, over 30 were due to anti-personnel mine explosions. However, at the time of writing the number of soldiers who made ultimate sacrifices in this battle is settled at 80.

Army lost over 30 personnel weapons during the battle while no damages were caused to heavy weaponry. The mechanised infantry or tanks were not deployed in the attack though some of the armoured vehicles were used from their original locations to give covering fire.

Rationale behind the attack

Refuting claims made by certain parties that Muhamalai was a great debacle, the Army Commander explained his strategy to defeat terrorism and the reality of the battle.

According to the Commander, a veteran infantryman whose capabilities are well better known to the terrorists than many others, the number of army casualties is nowhere near what could be termed a military debacle. He explained that not all battles are cake walks and there will be times like this where the LTTE will be pushed to expend its best fighting cadre and resources but with no significant gain. Few more such attempts will bring the LTTE to its breaking point from which it would soon meet its fate, he explained. This is the army's present strategy to fight terrorism, he added.

Explaining the present situation further, the Army Chief said that LTTE has been so reluctant to spend his best fighting cadres after the fall of the East. At present, it is encountering a severe manpower shortage and the majority of the cadres deployed in the Wanni fronts have been found to be forcibly conscripted youths, sea tigers and those recruited for the tiger police, he said. The strategy would be to push the LTTE to introduce its best fighting reserve to the battlefront and to meet them with equal force, he added.

Speaking on the day of the 2nd anniversary of the failed suicide bomb blast attempt on his life, the Army Chief said that his soldiers know the reality of battle and they are well prepared to meet the enemy.

He further explained that previous strategies used were aimed at gaining the ground rather than destroying the enemy. This resulted in many military setbacks through which the LTTE built its huge image as an impregnable terrorist outfit. Now the soldiers have not only challenged the LTTE's image but also put the terrorists into an utterly desperate situation.

The Army Chief explained that there are some people who may gain some sadistic pleasure by hearing of a high rate of army casualties. These people would not be satisfied by whatever casualty figures given by army and would continue to inflate the figures to damage and belittle soldiers' sacrifices. He emphasized that "all these soldiers have died in fighting for the country fearlessly but not while running away from the enemy. Soldiers know the risk that they have to take in defeating terrorism and are ready to do it," he said. "It is a great shame that some degrade their commitment," he added.

Speaking about the enemy, the Army Chief said he would never underestimate the enemy. He said the LTTE has been fighting for over 30 years and thus was well organized and highly battle-oriented. If such an organization has been allowed to develop to its present extent, the battle to defeat it should not be expected to be one without own casualties, he said. The important fact is that the soldiers now have the necessary equipment, and high morale backed by the right political leadership to meet this challenge, he added.

Finally, the Army Commander said that during his term of office he has prepared all the battlefronts to meet this challenge. For the Jaffna front alone, the strength has been increased from 27,000 to 34,000 with an additional two reserve divisions to meet the enemy. He expressed his confidence that if the present trend continues the battle will definitely take a decisive turn before the end of this year.

LTTE is the Most Dangerous Terrorist Outfit in the World - FBI

The United States' top intelligence agency, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) says that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is the most dangerous and deadly extremist organization in the world. The official website of FBI in its tops story yesterday said that LTTE is far more dangerous terrorists outfit than al Queda, Hezbullah or even HAMAS. Following is the full text of the article published on the website, www.fbi.gov



TAMING THE TAMIL TIGERS

From Here in the U.S.

As terrorist groups go, it has quite a r‚sum‚:

* Perfected the use of suicide bombers;

* Invented the suicide belt;

* Pioneered the use of women in suicide attacks;

* Murdered some 4,000 people in the past two years alone; and

* Assassinated two world leaders-the only terrorist organization to do so.

No, it's not al Qaeda or Hezbollah or even HAMAS. The group is called the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) or the Tamil Tigers for short.

Needless to say, the Tamil Tigers are among the most dangerous and deadly extremists in the world. For more than three decades, the group has launched a campaign of violence and bloodshed in Sri Lanka, the island republic off the southern coast of India.

Its ultimate goal: to seize control of the country from the Sinhalese ethnic majority and create an independent Tamil state. Along the way, it has launched suicide attacks, assassinated politicians (including a government minister this week and even the Sri Lankan President), taken hostages, and committed all of kinds of crimes to finance its operations. The resulting civil war has taken the lives of nearly 70,000 Sri Lankans on both sides of the conflict since 1983 alone.

Why should you care? Certainly because of the suffering and bloodshed that the Tamil Tigers have caused. And because its ruthless tactics have inspired terrorist networks worldwide, including al Qaeda in Iraq. But also because the group has placed operatives right here in our own backyard, discreetly raising money to fund its bloody terrorist campaign overseas, including purchases of weapons and explosives.

The U.S. government has designated the Tigers a foreign terrorist organization, so their activities here are illegal. And we're determined to stop them, using the full range of our investigative and intelligence capabilities.

In April, for example, we struck an important blow when our Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York arrested the alleged U.S. director of the Tigers. The man supposedly held several fundraising events at a church and various public schools in Queens and in northern New Jersey in 2004. He is also accused of arranging high-level meetings between the group's leaders and U.S. supporters.

We've also arrested another 11 Tamil Tiger-related suspects in the New York City region. And in Baltimore, following a multi-agency investigation, a pair of Indonesian men pled guilty and were sentenced recently for working with others to export surface to air missiles, state-of-the-art firearms, machine guns, and night vision goggles to the Tigers in Sri Lanka.

You can help by being careful with your donations. Like other terrorists, the Tigers have raised funds under a variety of cover organizations, often by posing as charities. A great deal of money, for example, was raised for the Tigers following the 2004 tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka and many other countries.

Courtesy: FBI