Tamil Tigers vacate Elephant Pass

(January 05, Mullativue, Sri Lanka Guardian) Amid soaring casualties and without the support of the mechanised infantry brigade, troops of the SLA's 58th division have moved into the Elephant Pass complex and the surrounding areas. “The EP complex and its immediate environs were systematically vacated by the LTTE over the past two days. The departure of the LTTE from EPS was always part of the strategic plan devised by the LTTE military panel,” source close to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam said. [File Image]

‘Therefore LTTE leadership has asked the battle formations of EPS to adjust their forward boundaries further north,’ he added.

The last remaining cadres to leave EPS were from the LTTE's elite IP and CA commando teams. They had stayed behind as it was an ideal opportunity for maximum harvest of SLA platoons. The cadres used covert land routes and sea tiger troop transport to vacate EPS. The SLA suffered heavy casualties during the offensive, numbering over 300 KIA, this was possible as EPS area is open terrain. The LTTE launched numerous artillery and mortar salvos on the advancing SLA units and caused maximum damage. The LTTE did not suffer any casualties itself, the cadres are safely back in LTTE controlled areas.

Elephant Pass is synonymous with national embarrassment for the SLA. In the bloody history of Elephant Pass battles, the SLA had suffered two of the worst debacles in its short history. In the first battle of EP in 1991, the SLA suffered over 1,000 casualties. The SLA managed to defend EP amid very heavy casualties, the LTTE casualties were very low. In the second battle of EP in 2000, the SLA suffered its worst ever defeat. Over 3,000 SLA were killed when the LTTE commanded by Colonel Bhanu and comprising mainly eastern cadres overran the Elephant Pass complex and completely liberated the area. In the latest battle, LTTE inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy before strategically withdrawing with its weapons and cadres intact.

The LTTE's overall strategy is now very clear. They have decided to forego occupation of symbolic towns and villages to regroup in the Mullaitivu jungles and launch guerilla raids on the SLA. Yesterday, the SLA suffered over 53KIA 2 miles east of Paranthan when LTTE commandos launched a surprise ambush on the advancing SLA units. A few bodies were captured and these will be handed over to the SLA via the ICRC shortly. A large haul of weapons were also captured during the clearing operations.

Meanwhile reliable source close to the LTTE have informed that the LTTE has completed its tactical withdrawal from the Oddusudan township and the surrounding areas. “The tactical withdrawal follows LTTE successful harvest operations against the advancing SLA infantry units. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the SLA troops with over 150 SLA KIA. A large cache of weapons was also captured by the LTTE when SLA commandos entered the town in the early hours of Saturday and fled leaving their weapons behind.” He said. According to the source, “the LTTE for its part suffered no casualties and withdrew to the jungles with all its weapons and cadres intact. The SLA has moved into a virtual ghost town, there are no civilians or LTTE left in Oddusudan.” - Sri Lanka Guardian