Jeyam replaces Swarnam as going gets tough

The LTTE has reshuffled its Commanders again today. LTTE's DPU/LRRP Chief Jeyam has replaced Swarnam in Nayaru/Mulaitivu today to counter the 59 Division. The main objective of this appointment, however, is to destabilize the East through attacks behind the Army's back.

Two days before his appointment Jeyam tried his tricks. An elite Tiger guerrilla unit was readied to be inducted into Nayaru from where they were to infiltrate Trincomalee. The team was to lead other small LTTE groups in a daring attack on an SLA detachment in Batticaloa. LTTE was desperately seeking a show of strength in the East.

Unfortunately for Jeyam, the Special Forces were onto this plan. Tipped-off by informants, an 8-man SF team infiltrated the Nedunkerni south area on Monday. They spotted the LTTE team at a place called Vedivaichchikallu and pounced on them killing 4 and injuring another 4 who retreated with the injuries as reinforcements were brought in.

The Special Forces have, for the first time in many years, become a true reserve force working on highly selective missions in close collaboration with the MIC. At the moment, 1, 2, and 3 Special Forces have been deployed along the Kilinochchi and Pooneryn FDLs as a reserve unit.

They have been exploiting weaknesses in LTTE defenses and are deployed in places where the SLA is comparatively weak, in addition to operations in the medium and deep battle space. Their presence in these areas has been a huge deterrence and force multiplier.