War Grinds On

by Defencewire

( February 12, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The advance into LTTE areas by Task Force I is taking longer than expected due to various trappings, despite plans for expediting military operations. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), desperate to end the SLA onslaughts have heavily entrapped terrain under its control, particularly in Mannar and Vavuniya fronts.

Some of the soldiers engaged in the limited offensives are losing limbs due to Johnny Mines (AP Mines). They have also buried mines in terrain infested with Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) such as unexploded artillery shells. Exploding AP mines are setting-off these UXOs, causing secondary explosions. The Tigers have also buried the occasional Anti-Tank Mine targeting bulldozers engaged in mine clearing operations.

Meanwhile confirmation of the numbers of LTTE cadres killed in recent SLAF bombings have started to arrive. 17 LTTE intelligence cadres have been killed in the January 14th bombing of an LTTE Intelligence Base at Kombavil Kulam. 28 Cadres are confirmed dead in a recent attack on an LTTE base at Iranamadu. Another four cadres are confirmed dead in the SLAF attack on the LTTE Garage situated at Depot Junction, Kilinochchi. Several 'Canter' Trucks and a Jeep brought for repairs have also been destroyed.

A Sinhala language weekly had reported that LTTE Weli Oya Leader Kumaran has been injured in an LRRP attack and that he had returned to Weli Oya to coordinate attacks. This information needs to be corrected as follows. 'Lt. Col' Kumaran was injured in an LRRP attack six months ago. He is now paralyzed and will never return to battle. Another area commander from the Military Wing was targeted by LRRP recently. He has escaped with injuries.