Push for Mullaitivu to escalate

The Sri Lanka Army who are virtually swimming in flooded low-lying areas in the north, yesterday decided to capture the A-9 Road from Kokavil up to Mankulam.

The A-9 is relatively untouched by the floods in some parts, unlike low-level byroads in the interior. Until yesterday, the SLA was careful to leave the A-9 untouched to entice civilian movements. The decision was made to recapture the A-9 in Kokavil after facing a dearth of plyable routes. Many of the routes used previously by the SLA are now fully submerged.

Both the SLA and the LTTE have slowed down their operations in and around Kilinochchi. Administrative and logistical difficulties caused by the flooding will be on the minds of field commanders on both sides before they embark on the next round of confrontations.

In the meantime, the Sri Lanka Army has quietly raised another task force. Task Force-4, which will some day become the 64 Division is expected to be deployed in the northeastern region, probably in Weli Oya to assist the 59 and Task Force 3 to reach Mullaitivu. Fighting in this sector is expected to escalate with the Army getting ready to fight the final battle for Alampil. To reach Mullaitivu, the 59 and TF-3 would have to take a 16km path northeastward.