9/13/2007

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets have pounded the LTTE's financial nerve centre located at Puthukuduiruppu in the Mullaittivu area this morning (September 13). According to defence sources, the target which is a vital strategic location for the LTTE terrorists has been accurately hit by the Kfir and Mig 27 fighter jets around 8.20.a.m.

Defence intelligence sources described the target as the operational base of LTTE's financial wing leader Thamilendi. The attack followed gathering of information through both ground and air surveillance carried out for a long period. Further, real time ground information has confirmed increased activities at this base during the last two- three weeks, the source added.

According to the civilian sources in Wanni, Thamilendi is known to be one of the most corrupt LTTE leaders after its intelligence wing leader, Pottu Amman. Since the terrorists' global fund raising mechanism was badly hit by counter terror measures taken by various countries, the financial wing of the LTTE is said to have encountered a serious shortage of money to pay its cadre as well as to maintain the luxurious lives of its leaders. Thus, the sources said, the LTTE has increased its illegal tax collections and set up gangs to rob civilians to find funds for the outfit.

Defence observers say that the pilots' achievement would add on to the woes of the LTTE, which is drawing nearer to its end. The enhancement of air arm and coordination among defence intelligence units has enabled the security forces to hit identified targets without endangering civilian lives or properties, the observers added. They also pointed out that it might be the LTTE's ventriloquism on its woes that is heard in the false allegations made against the purchase of "defunct" fighter jets by the Sri Lanka Air Force.