LTTE 'DPU' teams on the prowl

With their back against the sea, Tigers have started preparing for suicide missions and deep penetration operations. Two teams of Tigers were detected and engaged by the 59 Division at Alampil and Mullayaweli within the matter of two weeks with the latter being detected just yesterday when a team of around 30 Tigers made an amphibious landing at a shaded grove in the Mulaitivu lagoon.

LTTE teams are preparing for decapitation strikes, reconnaissance and ambushes to upset ongoing operations, the same as the Special Forces and Commando Regiment Special Reconnaissance (LRRP/'DPU') teams once did. These teams are attempting to move towards south of Puthukudirippu and Mankulam areas to target SLA high-ranking officers, troop transports etc.

They are particularly targeting the A-9 and the Special Task Force and police patrols and ambushes deployed to protect the A-9. The STF and the police are deployed from Omanthai to Kanakarayankulam.

Less than a week ago, an STF ambush was attacked killing one STF Constable and injuring 11 others. Although on an ambush, the STF 12-man team had built a bonfire to be warm in the cold night. This had not only given away the location of the ambush but had compromised the entire operation.

The Air Force, particularly the Air Force Regimental Special Forces are deployed from Kanakarayankulam to Mankulam. So far, these units have played their role effectively. If the rear guard keeps failing, the Special Forces Brigade might have to be called in to address the situation.

The Army's other fighting Divisions now in reserve have new tasks to perform other than patrolling the A-9, which includes the recovery of LTTE weapons and logistics dumps as well as valuable assets. They also perform a vital role immediately behind the TF-8, 58 and the 53 in case of a massive counter-attack like the one experienced just before Independence Day.