The Sri Lanka Army's 58th Division launched an attack on an LTTE bunkerline in the general area Mullikulam on 15th morning. Troops observed seven bodies of LTTE cadres and intercepted radio communications indicated another six were also killed in the same attack. A soldier and seven others were injured in the fighting. Four more LTTE cadres were killed when they walked right into a Special Forces ambush in the area between Mullikulam and Vilattikulam. Regular infantry units confronted another group of LTTE cadres in the general area Vilattikulam, managing to kill three of them. The operation in Mullikulam and Vilattikulam general area has been continuing for several months. Reports also indicated that the Army has killed four more LTTE cadres ahead of the Muhamalai FDL in Jaffna on 15th evening. Meanwhile fighter jets from the Air Force's No. 10 Fighter Jet Squadron bombed a suspected LTTE logistics facility situated in Puthukudiiruppu, Mullaithivu this afternoon. Approximate damage caused to the LTTE in this attack is yet to be verified.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Massive Search Operation After Yala Bomb Blast- 3rd Lead
Hundreds of soldiers started a fresh operation inside the Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's main wildlife sanctuary, after a bomb blast followed by the overnight raid on an army detachment, killing at least 06 soldiers. A tractor which was carrying the dead bodies of soldiers in last night's attack got caught in a land mine a short while ago, killing one soldier and injuring another 05, top military officials told DefenceWire. The Yala National Park, situated in the deep down south, was due to be opened today for public after annual closure of the park for reconstruction work.
The LTTE team which launched the attack came from Ampara and attacked the last detachment in Thalgasmankada, established years-ago to protect the sanctuary. "Minutes after we were alerted to the incident, all communication with the camp was cut off"an officer describe the attack told on condition of anonymity. Another camp which was also located nearby Thalgasmankada camp vacated soon after the incident on precautionary measure, he added.
Two more soldiers are missing in action and another is injured. The LTTE unit which launched the attack had come along the Menik Ganga, along what is considered an ancient pilgrimage route to Katharagama Kovil. Army reinforcements from Kondawattuwaan managed to retake the detachment by 10pm the same day.
The attack came during Special Task Force attempts to neutralize LTTE Leader Ram and his men. Military Intelligence had warned of increased efforts by this unit to destabilize the newly captured areas. DefenceWire also indicated a heightened activity by the group since the Claymore ambush of 6 STF personnel.
LTTE's tactics seems to be to thin-out the Military in the District and beyond and to refocus the thrust being planned for the Vanni back to the East. The attack also indicates careful planning on the part of the Tigers. It is unlikely that the attack was launched by cadres trapped in Thoppigala since this was no break-out attempt. It is unlikely for trapped fighters to draw unnecessary attention to them, unless they are on the offensive.
The attack will serve as a morale booster for LTTE and its sympathizers, particularly in the Diaspora. The overall military significance of the battle seems negligible, unless panicked politicians start erecting defensive fortifications thus committing large numbers of troops to bunker duties.
Thalgasmankada Detachment Attacked
Reports indicate that the Army detachment at Thalgasmankada in Yala Wildlife Sanctuary has come under LTTE attack around 5.30pm Monday. The camp was manned by around 15 men. Nine Soldiers manning the detachment have reportedly gone missing. Two are confirmed dead. The Sanctuary was to be declared open to wildlife enthusiasts today 16th. LTTE units under the command of Ampara District leader Ram is suspected to have launched the attack. Yala is situated at the southern boundary of Ampara, alongside Kumana and Lahugala wildlife sanctuaries which provide jungle coverage for a limited guerrilla operation. The Army has dispatched reinforcements from the Kondawattuwaan Camp have now secured the camp after it was briefly held by the LTTE.