Civilian Massacres as Mannar LTTE Bastion Prepares to fall

by Defencewire

(January 18, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) At least nine civilians have been killed in Thanamalvila by the LTTE last night. The latest attack comes in the wake of a confrontation last morning between LTTE cadres retreating from Buttala Massacre. One soldier was injured in the attack. The soldiers were tracing the steps of the LTTE unit when they were attacked. The Tigers had laid AP (Johnny) mines and booby traps along jungle treks to facilitate getaway.

Meanwhile the SLA's 58 Division and its three brigades are within one and a half kilometers of Adampan Junction. The Northern route from this junction leads directly to Veduthalthivu. The route to the west goes past the sacred Thiruketheeshwaram Kovil, which is now under partial SLA control. South of Adampan junction is Uylankulam and Palampiddi is to the east.

If SLA wrestles control of Adampan Town (Junction), LTTE activities in Palampiddi and Uylankulam will be immediately affected. If SLA advances further north, they will be able to capture the strategically important Veduthalthivu area. Currently LTTE is re-strengthening its defences in Adampan, but has also begun constructing a new FDL along the Adampan Veduthalthivu line. This could be the first hint of a possible withdrawal from Adampan Town (Junction).

The ceaseless attacks by marauding SLA is launched almost purely by regular infantry. There are currently around 12 Avenues of Approaches of SLA advancing towards Vanni. Each Division (57, 58 and 59) has three Brigades each. Each Brigade has around 4 Avenues of Approaches. These are the advancing columns of men that are leading the infantry charge. The three Divisions, 57, 58 and 59 are called Mobility Corridors in military jargon. a Mobility Corridor comprises of one Division or 3 Bridges or 4 Avenues of Approaches.

The SLAF yesterday bombed an LTTE gathering place 3km west of Kilinochchi Town at Jeyapuram. SLAF also bombed a Mortar manufacturing plant in the general area Puthukudiiruppu. Damages caused to LTTE are unverified.