Sea Fight Off Mullaithivu

LTTE Sea Tigers have suffered heavy losses in a fight with the Navy and Air Force off the coast of Mulaithivu at around 6.30 on 13th evening. Navy FACs and Air Force Helicopter Gunships from Hingurakgoda and the #10 Fighter Squadron of the Air Force engaged the Tigers continuously for several hours. Mi-24 Gunships came to the aid of the FACs considering the large flotilla of small and medium sized LTTE boats spotted being launched by Navy. As a result of heavy FAC and MI-24 fire, some boats tried to beach in Mulaithivu, which was spotted by FACs and Aerial Reconnaissance. Mig-27 and Kafir Jets then bombed the beached LTTE boats. All Fighter Craft of the Navy and the Air Force returned unscathed from the offensive. LTTE casualties are yet unclear. More news on this offensive will be posted soon.

Classification of Violence

A Terrorist group can be identified using several criteria. Such groups usually have a strong political ideology and a well-rehearsed modus-operandi for violence. Political ideology is a must for controlling ‘hearts and minds’ of its fighters and support-base. The modus operandi is the instigation of violent acts that shake a civilization to its roots. Terrorist groups also strive to gain access to technologically advanced weaponry to innovate its methods of violence. Terrorists would also risk harming members of own community for gaining political or military mileage. The level of skill for committing violence is extremely high. Skill and creativity is at the heart of these groups. The other significant characteristic is the planning and tight organization of a terrorist group.

Genocide and a Riot is not the same thing. For instance, the infamous 1983 riots in Sri Lanka are mistakenly referred to as Genocide by some. Genocide will kill or attempt to kill a whole people. Violence is both direct and indirect. For example, whilst openly killing mothers and children, genocide will also use indirect methods like forced abortions, mandatory birth-control etc. Genocide is also fully endorsed and supported by the state. Examples are Nazi Germany and Rwanda.

A Riot is a situation where civilians will target civilians in unrestrained acts of violence. The target is direct physical violence. State support is always not guaranteed. A riot is usually episodic but not always organized. Rioters are usually unskilled and will hardly be tempted to kill members of own group. They will use primitive weapons like swords, crow-bars etc. There usually isn’t a clear political ideology in a riot. Rioters will disband after their violent task is complete.

A Violent Protest, like the 1958 ‘Sri’ protest in Jaffna is in a class of its own. These protests are against the authority of the state and are focused on the destruction of mainly property.

Why K.P.'s Arrest was Denied

DefenceWire has reliably learnt that the arrest of Kumaran Pathmanathan alias 'K.P.' was denied by Thai authorities since releasing information regarding his arrest was threatening to hamper further investigations. Sources also indicate that steps are well under-way to ensure his deportation to Sri Lanka. India's Central Bureau of Investigation has also inquired about K.P.'s arrest, which Thailand had officially denied for the same reasons. Meanwhile several pro-LTTE sources claimed that K.P. was living 'safe and sound' in a village in Kilinochchi after having retired from the 'K.P. Department' several years ago and that when told about his arrest 'K.P.' had laughed aloud.