Tigers go back to basics – Chilawatte is only the beginning

"The visiting Indian Foreign Secretary, Shivshankar Menon is leaving the Island a happy man having fully accomplished his mission. What is next.....?
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By Mahen
(These are the strictly personal views of the writer)

Coming to terms with failure

(January 18, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) The LTTE’s military panel has finally come to terms with the fact that their conventional tactics have so far failed. The LTTE had tried to thwart the SLA’s advance by building L – shaped bunds and moats, these ineffective tactics were last used in WW1 and medieval times. The LTTE now being advised by unnamed military strategists have gone back to fighting the SLA with asymmetrical warfare (unconventional tactics). The LTTE’s previous successes against the SLA were down to asymmetrical warfare.

Guerilla tactics is one of the main constituents of asymmetrical warfare, the other main constituents are small team operations, long range reconnaissance missions, ambushing enemy officers in lightning strikes, and defense in depth. These were successfully employed by the LTTE in Ceaseless Waves I to IV. The Tigers have begun to use these tactics in Chilawatte and have reaped the rewards. Although the LTTE is expected to vacate this area, they are set to continue harvesting SLA men by using the tactics recommended by the said military experts. The LTTE will use the same strategies in Challai which the SLA is trying to capture.

Mechanised Brigade

Wanni sources inform us that the Liberation Tigers have deployed the Mechanised Infantry Brigade in the Chilawatte and Challai fronts. The Mech. Brigade is made up of an undisclosed number of MBTs, Unicorn APCs, modified tractors and HMG mounted four wheel drives. The Brigade is led by an experienced commander and the cadres are specially trained in mechanised warfare. The Brigade has provided effective support during offensive and defensive operations. Logistical support is provided by the LTTE Armoured Mechanised Engineering (LAME) corps.

More defections

EFT earlier reported on leadership conflicts within LTTE’s high command. Our Wanni sources indicate that at least three Colonels from the LTTE’s ranks have defected to the GoSL side. However, the Supreme Commander’s loyalists are of the opinion that these defections will help strengthen the LTTE than weaken it. The Colonels who have defected have of late become more interested in providing a good life for their families and less interested in selflessly fighting for Tamil Eelam’s cause. Our sources further added that the main reason behind the recent losses has been the lack of motivation and dedication displayed by these Colonels. The loyalists are glad to have got rid of these traitors and are regretting the decisions that put these Colonels in charge of defending key towns, villages and grounds of strategic importance. The fate of the one time second in command of the LTTE is unknown, pro and anti GoSL sources are refusing to divulge any further information on this matter.

India's involvement

The visiting Indian Foreign Secretary, Shivshankar Menon is leaving the Island a happy man having fully accomplished his mission. The Foreign Secretary is said to have issued two requests to the GoSL President - Mahendra Percival Rajapakse. Unconfirmed reports say that President Percy has accepted both these requests. The Congress led Indian Government is increasingly getting involved in GoSL affairs to keep its Tamil Nadu voter base happy.

Civilians abandon Tamil Eelam

Meanwhile, our sources inform that civilians are fleeing Tiger controlled areas in large numbers to GoSL controlled areas. The civilians are said to be unhappy to be leaving behind their beloved Tamil Eelam homeland, their homes and personal possessions. The civilians have been made refugees in their own land and are residing in temporary shelters. - Sri Lanka Guardian