13.9.2008

Security Forces engaged in humanitarian operations at the Wanni front are reaching into the tiger lairs in Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu as defence observers define this as a decisive and impressive phase considering the present ground context. Troops are closing in on the LTTE's main garrison townships, taking on equally measured and tactical strides avoiding any collateral damage as expected from the terror outfit and its Colombo based stooges, sources state.

"Under pressure, the LTTE will habitually resort to primitive terror tactics and will use 'civilians as shields', despite constant urges made by the Government for the release of thousands stranded in its clutches", defence observes further asserted. It is already confirmed that the outfit has taken some dozen heavy vehicles and equipment of INGOs and aid agencies in the non-liberated areas, now been used in the Wanni battle frontiers to construct earth bunds and ditches to sustain a possible military push.

These vehicles were also extensively used by the outfit to take as many civilians closer to its dens in Kilinochchi, which was very much evident when troops liberated Mallavi, Thunukkai, Vidathalthivu, Vannerikulama from LTTE. Despite the presence of over two dozens of aid and humanitarian agencies in Wanni over a decade, considerable development or impressive construction works were clearly absent, the sources said adding that the security forces neither came across any construction that would be considered to serve even the 'basic human hygiene need'.

"No need to say what has happened to the 'millions of dollar aids' received by these agencies under the 'humanitarian aid' banner over a decade. Apart, from its estimated 200 M dollar annual income from (most of it now liquidated or seized) extortions, illegal gunrunning and drug trafficking, LTTE has been the recipient of such 'aid', leaving thousands of civilians under its mercy for decades" defence observers said.

According to informed sources from the non-liberated areas, a group of civilians had staged a protest Friday(Sep 12), urging the UN agencies in Kilinochchi, to make reservations to grantee a safe route for the civilian influx, expected to trigger into the liberated area across Kokavil. With the Northeastern monsoon in the corner and expectations of heavy clashes, people see the need for a deliberate and timely action from the UN agencies to address their plight, reliable sources from Wanni said.

"These people are of the fear of graver reprisals and torture from the outfit and had made a plea for the transfer of children and women immediately into the designated 'civilian welfare centers' located further south, under the government control. "We want them (aid organizations) to take us with them and that's what we only ask", a civilian was quoted as saying by our source.

Though the Government has opened and declared a 'humanitarian corridor' in respite of the civilians stranded in Wanni, LTTE has cleared staged its intentions to prey on a 'civilian catastrophe'.

Propaganda stunt:

Meanwhile, an LTTE backed separate 'demonstration' was held at Karadaipokku, participated by few from the LTTE's elite 'Mahaviru families', making a propaganda stunt for international consumption, informed sources said, which was quite 'intimidating' than 'peaceful' to the local staff of the UN agencies who represent 90% of the total ICRC and UN workers in Wanni.

Over 1500 local workers are engaged with the ICRC and UN offices in Wanni, apart from their expatriate staffs and it is learnt that some organization have already paid a lump sum of money to the outfit to release their workers from been used by LTTE for terror activities or forcible labour, sources further revealed. Further, LTTE has ordered the aid agencies to give way their fuel storages, which are believed to hold a capacity for 2-6 months general utility.

Meanwhile, pro-LTTE media has quoted a civilian complaining that no organisations helped him, and even the available help had not reached those in need.

Confrontations continue:

7 LTTE terrorists were reported killed and 6 injured as confrontations between troops and LTTE continued in the Wanni battle theater on Friday (Sep 12).

Troops plunged ground offensives in several fronts at the Vavuniya-Mullaittivu battle frontier yesterday (Sep 12), reportedly killing 2 LTTE terrorists and injuring another at Vedamakilam and Palamoddai areas. According to finalized military reports received 2 soldiers have also received injuries including one, due to an anti-personnel (AP) mine explosion in general area Kummakulama.

Meanwhile, troops conducting search operations in general area Palamoddai have found 3 LTTE bodies, 3 T-56 assault riffles, a T-81 weapon and a radio set, sources further said.

At the Kilinochchi battlefront, a terrorist was killed sniped in general area Nachchikuda, at 10.15a.m., according to reports. 2 other terrorists were also reported killed, 2 wounded when troops forced into an LTTE bunker defence in general area Vannerikulama, military said. 3 soldiers sustained injuries during separate confrontations in the area in addition to 2 others who had received wounds in a confrontation with LTTE at Panaikandamadu around 6.25p.m.

On the Eastern Wanni battlefront at Welioya, 2 LTTE terrorists were killed and 3 injured in SLA attacks, during sporadic clashes North of Andankulama, yesterday. A soldier also laid his life and another reported injured during confrontation with LTTE in the same area at around 10.20p.m.

According to military reports, another soldier had received injuries during a confrontation with LTTE in general area North of Janakapura, at 11a.m.