Tunukkai falls. Mallavi is next

As predicted, Tunukkai fell to the Army without major incidents today. The LTTE was unable to resist mesmerizing attacks from all directions by small SLA units that infiltrated the area days ago. By last evening, LTTE began to withdraw from the Town area. After six abortive bids to defend Tunukkai the main defeat to the Tigers came as expected at Kalvilan.

Remaining Charles Anthony, Imran Pandian, Kutti Sri and Intelligence units retreated further east to the town of Mallavi, which will become the next major battle very soon. With the simultaneous capture of Uylankulam by 4GW northeast of Tunukkai, Tigers had no option but to move east.

The SLA is confidant that Mallavi too will fall within a week. Meanwhile 8 Tigers were killed in an air strike launched yesterday at Palamottai, northwest of Omanthai yesterday. The newly formed 62 Division is operating in this region.

Meanwhile intelligence sources have obtained credible information indicating that the LTTE is planning to increase its strength in the East. The objective is to collapse the SLA's advance but also to prevent new Army Divisions and Brigades currently in the East from joining the fighting further north. The LTTE is also seeking an opportunity to regain its credibility with the Tamil Diaspora.