At the gates of the grand finale of Eelam War IV

Teams from the 58 Division spearheaded by Commandos managed to enter the main built-up area of the Puthukudirippu Town last afternoon but the Town could not be completely cleared due to stiff resistance from small teams of hardcore LTTE fighters who are moving about and engaging the Army in hit-and-run waves even as we speak.

Fighting is raging in visible-range as infantry units fight almost face-to-face with the Tigers at times. Beyond visual range or Trajectory Weapons like the LTTE's heavy guns have fallen silent. 120mm mortars seems to be the only heavy artillery the Tigers have and these are being fired occasionally from civilian settlements in the general area Mathalang and even from the designated No Fire Zones. 130 and 152 fire has ceased almost completely.

Tigers aren't the only ones who have limited the heavy firepower. Whereas the LTTE has abandoned its heavy guns due to lack of shells, SLA has limited theirs due to concerns of civilian safety. Clearing Puthukudirippu might take weeks as the Tigers have painstakingly booby trapped all buildings, including houses that FIBUA teams could potentially use for cover and tactical advantage.

Despite all obstacles the indicators are that the Tigers might withdraw further towards civilian settlements tonight or tomorrow morning. Capturing Puthukudirippu permanently is a matter of time. Ground sources claim that the Tigers might attempt one massive attack tonight or early tomorrow morning. If this attack doesn't come, it could come soon after the Town is secured.

We are fast approaching the final hours of Eelam War IV. The ball is in the LTTE's court now to try and prevent it. If the LTTE does not come up with a miracle within the next 12hrs, the next alternative for the Tigers is to either die at the hands of the SLA or hide among the civilians.