tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90790073169308410062024-03-08T21:00:50.147+05:30DefenceNet: Defence News from Sri Lanka<center><img src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/filenetworks/defencenetcopyGIF.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></center>DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.comBlogger403125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-27331685862245641132013-03-31T09:45:00.001+05:302013-03-31T09:45:45.705+05:30Non Sinhala Heroes Of “The Sinhala Army”<p>Back in the days of the war, there was a popular saying in the south; සිංහලයාට සති දෙකකින් සියල්ල අමතකය (Sinhalese tend to forget in two weeks). While we do not agree with this sentiment 100%, we as a nation do have a knack for forgetting the most important lessons taught to us by history. Velupille Prabhakaran used this to his gain, and judging by the way things are going, a common enemy will soon be able to spot and exploit this weakness in most Sri Lankans.</p> <p>If you have listened to speeches or read blogs post, Facebook pages or forums maintained by so called patriots, you would have no doubt come across the following logic: “Sinhalese saved this country, therefore this country must be Sinhalese only”. The majority of soldiers in the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) were Sinhalese. Majority of the casualties in the war were Sinhalese soldiers. This is natural as it’s proportional to the total population of Sri Lanka, of which the majority are Sinhalese. However, that is not to say other races did not have a hand in defending Sri Lanka from oppressors. A small reminder to those that have forgotten :</p> <p><strong>Captain</strong> <strong>Shahul Hameed Nilam, Commanding Officer, Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) –</strong> LRRP, also known as “The Mahasohon Brigade” was a deep penetration unit of SLA that operated behind enemy lines. The unit was classified and the SLA never officially acknowledged its existence. Under the leadership of Captain Nilam, it was responsible for the elimination of several high profile LTTE military leaders including the then air wing lead Colonel Shankar and deputy sea tiger commander Gangai Amaran. LRRP operations were a major factor in SLA victories throughout the Eelam wars as not only did they assassinate top leadership but their surprise attacks miles inside rebel held territory severely degraded the morale of LTTEs’ regular formations as well. Captain S. H. Nilam was the CO of LRRP back when the Millennium City raid happened. Due to classified information being revealed in the raid, Captain Nilam and his family were sent to Indonesia due to threats posed to his life by LTTE intelligence unit. Based in Indonesia, he worked to disrupt LTTE arms smuggling operations under the guidance of Major General Janaka Perera. Captain Nilam and his family once again disappeared following the removal of Janaka Perera as the Sri Lankan ambassador to Indonesia. Their whereabouts are <a href="http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2007/05/captain-nilam-missing.html" target="_blank">currently unknown</a>.</p> <p><strong>Colonel Tuan Nizam Muthaliff</strong>, <strong>Commanding Officer, Military Intelligence Corps </strong>– Col. Muthaliff served under captain Nilam and was technically the deputy commander of the LRRP. He was a mastermind behind many successful DPU operations including several ops in the eastern province. He was also a major influence in rallying Tamil support for SLA’s cause and had built a strong intelligence network backed by paramilitaries of all races and religions. It was through this network the MIC received plenty of vital information which aided the SLA especially in the eastern theatre of battle. Col Muthaliff was hunted by LTTE intelligence units for three years after the millennium city leak and was assassinated by gunmen on May 2005. <br /><strong>Medals</strong> : Rana Wickrama Padakkama, Purna Bhumi Padakkama,  North and East Operations Medal, Operation Wadamarachchi Medal, Riviresa Campaign Services Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal</p> <p><strong>Wing Commander T.D.S. Silvapulle, Sri Lanka Air Force</strong> – Wing Command Sivapulle was a SLAF Mi-24 gunship pilot attached to the 9th attack helicopter squadron. He is best known for his heroic attempts engaging a sea tiger flotilla while knowing his chopper could get shot out of the air any moment. Several sea tiger boats were reinforcing an attack on SLA forward defence line south east of Elephant Pass and SLAF had dispatched two Mi-24 ‘Hind’ gunships to assist the army (This was back in 1999 when the tigers were armed with surface to air missiles). Instead of backing out, Wing Commander Silvapulle instructed the other gunship to disengage and unleashed his Mi-24 on sea tigers. LTTE could not withstand the attack and the boats were soon retreating from the area. Unfortunately, Wing Commander Silvapulles’ Mi-24 was hit by what is believed to be a surface to air missile fired from one of the LTTE boats - it crashed into the Kilali lagoon, killing its pilot, co-pilot and two gunners on board. <br /><strong>Medals :</strong> Parama Weera Vibhushanaya, Rana Wickrama Padakkama, Rana Sura Padakkama</p> <p><strong>Colonel A.F Lafir, Commanding Officer, 1st Special Forces Regiment</strong> – Colonel Fazly Lafir was a key figure behind the evolution of SLA Special Forces, which played a key role until the very last minutes of the Eelam war. SF evolved from a small combat tracker team formed in 1985 and had grown into a fully fledged battle formation with 4 regiments, several LRRP teams and an urban fighting squadron by 2012. It achieved this feat through the sacrifices made by founding officers such as A.F. Lafir. Colonel Lafir is best known for his heroics in Operation Thrividha Pahara, where he and 275 other special forces units from 1SF volunteered to try and secure a beachhead near SLA’s Mullathivu base which was about to be overrun by an LTTE force numbering 4000. In the first step of the mission, Colonel Lafir and 137 other SF units helidropped amidst heavy enemy fire and continued fighting their way inside LTTE held area. Col Lafir continued leading the attack through the night even after receiving multiple gunshot wounds from small arms fire. He was KIA on 19th July 1996 after being hit by an LTTE mortar. For his heroic actions in the mission Col. Lafir was awarded the Parama Weera Vibhushana medal, the highest award given for gallantry in Sri Lanka Army. <br />Medals : Parama Weera Vibhushanaya, Rana Wickrama Padakkama, Rana Sura Padakkama</p> <p><strong>Inspector N.M. Nilabdeen, Sri Lanka Police</strong> – Inspector Nilabdeen is probably the best counter terrorism officer Sri Lanka has ever seen. A veteran at extracting intelligence and counter intelligence tactics, he arrested numerous LTTE operatives including black tigers and recovered large quantities of weapons and ammunition the LTTE had smuggled into Colombo. His actions without a doubt saved hundreds of innocent civilian lives and prevented millions of rupees worth of property damage. Inspector Nilabdeen had to leave the country due to threats to his life from LTTE intelligence units. His whereabouts are currently unknown.</p> <p>These are not the only non Sinhala heroes that made sacrifices to save this country. This is just a small preview of a long list of names that should include the likes of Lakshman Kadiragamar, Brigadier A.W. Thambiraja and hundreds of nameless and faceless Tamil and Muslim informants that supplied critical information to the SLA risking their lives in the process.</p> <p>The objective of this article was not to glorify or undermine a particular race or religion. This is just a reminder to racist organizations, blogs and social media pages that are trying to promote the flawed theory “Sinhalese saved this country, therefore this country must be Sinhalese only”. Soldiers of all races and religions gave their lives to defend Sri Lanka from oppressors. SLA did not care about the race or religion of its soldiers – why should you? What won us the war was not the army of a single race, it was the army of Sri Lanka. </p> <p>While you keep up the infighting, a common enemy regroups in Tamil Nadu. Keep this in mind – “United as one, divided by zero”.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-71816951858692096972013-03-16T19:12:00.001+05:302013-03-16T19:15:21.639+05:30DefenceNet ReArmed – War Against Racism<p>To anyone still reading this blog : </p> <p>On 19th May 2009, we thought we had published the last post on DefenceNet. A war that plagued Sri Lanka for three decades ended that day. And back then, we hoped against hope we would never have to update this blog ever again. Sadly, a time has come to re-arm DefenceNet, this time to fight a much bigger enemy than the LTTE; racism.</p> <p>It is no secret that a newfound set of heroes have taken it upon themselves to save the country yet again. Forward Defence Lines of these warriors are not located in Muhamalai or Nagarkovil. They are based on online forums such as Facebook. Through social media pages full of racism and religious hatred, these anti-heroes now trying to start another war; to “cleanse” the country of other religions and races than their own. These Facebook pages and blog posts shamelessly uses images of SLA soldiers to promote their selfish cause. In addition, these extremist groups have also descended to employing scare tactics to drive away people flocking to businesses managed by certain nationalities ( For example – Egg throwing threats against those who try to attend stores such as Nolimit). This in our opinion borderlines on terrorism.</p> <p>Disclaimer: The writer of this article is a Sinhala Buddhist. As someone closer to the SLA than any of you can imagine, I can say this with pride; The Sri Lanka Army won this country for you. You had just one job; keep the peace. And you are now failing this task. If you have any questions as to where DefenceNets loyalties lie, just browse through our old posts and see how we reported on the war. We are not an NGO. We are not some foreign conspiracy. We were there when true heroes of the nation fought for this country and won it, and when we saw that it needs saving yet again from racists, we have risen again.</p> <p>Before you share the next racist post on Facebook (or any other medium), ponder this : The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was a racist organization. They wanted one country for one race. Where are they now?</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-65540295381041373952009-05-19T13:23:00.006+05:302009-05-20T08:42:37.787+05:30Is Velupillai Prabhakaran alive?<span style="font-weight: bold;">No</span>.
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJDkIj8dyqI">Click here</a> to see video.</P>
Note: images may be disturbing.
Credit to original uploader.DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-12147056349253266712009-05-18T13:08:00.004+05:302009-05-18T13:22:51.254+05:30The End<p>The war as we know it, is over. The conventional fighting force once known as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and it's elusive leader has been eliminated.</P>
<p>It remains to be seen whether or not the LTTE can survive as a guerrilla outfit, carrying out random terrorist attacks in the country. This however is unlikely now with the top tiger leadership being killed by the army.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Awi gaththo awiyenma nasithi - those who live by the sword, die by the sword"</span></P>DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-81507780412164708512009-05-17T13:06:00.001+05:302009-05-17T18:29:44.513+05:30History in the making<p>The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has just completed the largest hostage rescue mission in modern times with outstanding success. Last of the civilian human shield that protected the LTTE leadership thus far is now being evacuated from the conflict zone as we speak. Irresponsible international media reports that maintain 30000 civilians are still trapped inside LTTE held territory will soon have to eat their words. DefenceNet can confirm that almost all civilians held hostage by the tigers have now been rescued by the army. Search & rescue operations are continuing in search of the injured who are unable to move out.</p> <p>Several tiger armories located in the new war zone close to civilian shelters are now blaze. The LTTE controlled territory in Mullaithivu district has now shrunk to less than 1square kilometer. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-78557882958563817372009-05-16T03:06:00.001+05:302009-05-16T03:06:25.690+05:30False propaganda reaches new heights as LTTE faces imminent defeat<p>With Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam facing imminent defeat at the hands of the Sri Lanka Army, tiger propaganda machines have kicked into high gear, screaming about civilian massacres by SLA. The very same web sites that used to boast about military victories by LTTE in the not so distant past have now turned into whinefests calling on the international community to save the civilians. Official online mouthpiece of the LTTE, Tamilnet.com is now full of fabricated stories and doctored photographs along with some <a href="http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7678">staged drama</a>. </p> <p>Anyway DefenceNet can confirm that SLA had suspended all shelling and heavy weapons fire by now. However, limited air strikes had been continuing until recently but the targets were highly fortified LTTE hideouts where no civilian is permitted to go. Any shelling on the very small uncleared area surrounded by SLA units at this point would cause casualties due to friendly fire anyway. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-53576450331540789662009-05-15T03:37:00.001+05:302009-05-15T03:37:15.090+05:30Troops capture grounded ship Farah-3<p>A major headache for the army ended today with the capture of the grounded Ship Farah – 3 located around 500m from the Kariamulliwaikkal coastline. The wrecked ship has been used as cover by LTTE units for so long and has been a priority target of the army. Although the ship was subjected to an aerial raid by SLAF and was rendered unusable, LTTE cadres had used heavy machine guns and other medium caliber weapons installed on the ship to assault incoming SLA units. Farah –3 was a merchant vessel that ran into trouble in seas near LTTE held territory back in 2008 – the crew was rescued by the navy. </p> <p>Meanwhile two loud explosions were reported from the civilian safe zone today evening. The source of the explosions and the damages to any LTTE units/civillians is not known as of yet.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-22517552831690104202009-04-25T14:55:00.001+05:302009-04-25T15:07:02.126+05:30Tigers sink to a new low as endgame nears<p>The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) identify themselves as freedom fighters and as sole representatives of Tamil people. Their actions however depict them only as terrorists. After cowering behind thousands of civilians in the government declared safe zone, tigers have sunk to a new low.  Their latest tactic – shed the LTTE uniforms, disguise as civilians and fire at the incoming troops while hiding inside civilian tents. Either way the LTTE military machine has no hope for survival as these tactics will prove useless against elite troops of the SLA who are highly trained at hostage rescue and anti hijack missions.</p> <p>SLA is now in a position to deploy over 6000 elite troops to the rescue mission if the need arises. This figure includes units from 4 brigades of the special forces regiment and 4 brigades of the commando regiment and does not include units from the Air Mobile Brigade and the Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Further information pertaining ongoing military operations cannot be revealed at this time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/SfLW6R0xMGI/AAAAAAAAAmc/kuCxoYMlLsI/s1600-h/civillian%20rescue%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="civillian rescue" border="0" alt="civillian rescue" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/SfLW8KeuL2I/AAAAAAAAAmg/1s-aCxnkrX4/civillian%20rescue_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="263" /></a></p> <p>Meanwhile the total number of civilians rescued from the grips of LTTE has risen close to 200000. Although the government is doing their best , it’s no secret that attending the needs of over 107000 new IDPs is a herculean task. So please do whatever you can to help these fellow Sri Lankans who are in greater need than most of us. Food, medicine, clothes or anything else that you donate will help fulfill the basic needs of innocents who have suffered countless days of starvation and oppressions at the hands of Tamil tigers. You are more than welcome to use the comments section of this article to share info of/organize relief attempts.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com156tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-73055831206203228892009-04-20T16:10:00.002+05:302009-04-20T16:20:18.354+05:30Troops rescue over 30000 civillians as suicide tigers attackThe Sri Lankan Army has rescued over 30000 civilians forcibly held by the LTTE within the course of a single day. This is the largest number of civilians freed in a single day in the history of the Eelam War. There are however heavy civilian casualties as three Liberation Tigers suicide bombers detonated themselves in a bid to halt the mass exodus.
The civilian crossover was triggered when SLA units took control of a 2.5km long earth bund at Puthumathalan early morning today. In addition to 30k civilians who crossed over via land, over 1000 who escaped via the sea route were rescued by the SLN.
Article will be updated later today..DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com126tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-72390639457108163722009-04-05T22:05:00.001+05:302009-04-05T22:08:09.092+05:30Several photos of dead LTTE leaders released<p>Since some of our readers were skeptical about the <a href="http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2009/04/entire-ptk-area-captured.html">claims in previous article</a> on senior LTTE leaders being annihilated by the army, here are some photographic proof to back up those claims. More pictures will be released to the media once preliminary investigations by a special MI team are over.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/SdjdzjVpXnI/AAAAAAAAAmM/nfNiPmEyYaQ/s1600-h/theepan%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="theepan" border="0" alt="theepan" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sdjd0xhn_1I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/0ZnveL-p4rA/theepan_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="262" /></a> <br /><font size="2">LTTE Special Commander Theepan – Top right corner of the image shows Theepan with members of the SLMM (taken several years ago)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sdjd2RoQgJI/AAAAAAAAAmU/BdEm35eyodg/s1600-h/vithusha%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="vithusha" border="0" alt="vithusha" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sdjd3kE3b-I/AAAAAAAAAmY/u_wupe-3IOE/vithusha_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="243" /></a><font size="2">Commander of LTTE’s Malathi brigade – Colonel Vidusha – Top left corner of the image shows Vidusha at an LTTE ceremony back in the good old days</font>   </p> <p></p> <p>Photographs were captured from the SLRC new video uploaded to YouTube by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/lkwebnews">lkwebnews</a>. Full video can be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROCSFSpUAAg">found here</a>.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com877tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-44000799485018834652009-04-05T14:18:00.001+05:302009-04-05T15:07:57.500+05:30Entire PTK area captured, Senior LTTE leaders killed<p>Offensive formations of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) delivered yet another killing blow to the LTTE as the tigers lost the entire Puthukuirippu area today. SLA has recovered close to 250 bodies of slain LTTE cadres along with a large haul of weapons of ammunition in today and yesterday’s fighting alone. Several high profile LTTE leaders have also perished in battle. According to our information female LTTE leader Vidusha, black tiger leader Durga, former eastern leader Nagesh, PTK east commander Theepan and Prabhakaran’s personal bodyguard Gadafi are among the LTTE leaders slain by the army. According to reports yet to be confirmed, senior LTTE leader Bhanu has also suffered injuries.</p> <p>Troops surrounded the last 700 square meters held by LTTE in PTK three days ago and fierce fighting have been raging in the area since then. Close to 450 LTTE fighters were trapped by the army’s tactical maneuver however the LTTE leader Prabhakaran managed to flee into the No-War zone hours before the army moved in for the kill. A total of 420 bodies of slain tigers have been recovered by the army from PTK in the last three days.</p> <p>SLA formations that surrounded LTTE in PTK include the 58 division, 53 division, Task Force 8, 1 Special Forces (1SF), 2 Special Forces (2SF) and Air Mobile Brigade.</p> <p>Next phase of SLA operations will take the form of a massive hostage rescue mission aimed at rescuing several thousands civilians who are being forcibly held in the No-War Zone by the LTTE.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-34793598275058612932009-03-22T15:31:00.001+05:302009-03-22T21:02:31.714+05:30Army deploys Task Forces 5, 6, and 7<p>The Sri Lanka Army has deployed three additional Task Forces to the Wanni theater of battle. Newly raised TF 5, 6 and 7 are currently placed in defensive mode in areas recently captured from the LTTE. TF5 is deployed in Tunukkai/Mallavi, TF6 in Pooneryn and TF7 in strategic Elephant Pass – the doorway to Jaffna peninsula. The army has four more task forces deployed in the Mullaithivu region; TF2, TF3, TF4 and TF8. These are placed in offensive/semi-offensive mode and are actively used in the battle to free remaining area and civilians held by the LTTE. In addition to the deployment of Task Forces, two new brigades were added to the army’s 59 division (59-4 and 59-5).</p> <p>With the recent changes, the army now has 8 task forces and 7 divisions (61 and 56 divisions based in Mannar and Vavuniya) leading the war against LTTE. Task Forces have lesser number of troops than a full division and are formed with a particular goal (task) in mind. These are later converted to divisions as more brigades/troops are added. For example the Task Force 1 which was raised back in 2007 is now known as the 58 division. In addition to task forces and divisions, decimating LTTE’s frontlines are troops from 1,2,3,4 Special Forces regiments who have done an invaluable service throughout the 4th Eelam War.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com249tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-61585699870655899132009-03-17T20:38:00.001+05:302009-03-17T22:23:49.704+05:30Cruelty of disinformation – Tamilnet exposed<p>Given below are screenshots from three recent articles published on pro LTTE Tamilnet website. According to Tamilnet, these letters were issued by Regional Directors of Health Services (RDHS) for Ki'linochchi and Mullaiththeevu districts. However, simple translation errors present on the letterheads say otherwise.  </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Article 1 - Dinghaya</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sb-83Hyr93I/AAAAAAAAAl0/U9xm9PM6iDw/s1600-h/DNT%20TAMILNET%20EXPOSED_1_1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DNT TAMILNET EXPOSED_1_1" border="0" alt="DNT TAMILNET EXPOSED_1_1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sb-84W62wvI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Nxw7JEx049w/DNT%20TAMILNET%20EXPOSED_1_1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="277" /></a> </p> <p><strong>TamilNet Original Article Link</strong>: <a title="http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28741" href="http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28741">http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28741</a> <br /><strong>High Resolution Image Link (hosted on Tamilnet)</strong>: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/cts2gj">http://tinyurl.com/cts2gj</a> </p> <p></p> <p><strong><font size="3">Article 2 – Oyage Ankaya</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sb-85Ts2OYI/AAAAAAAAAl8/3Vzj8U1AW5w/s1600-h/DNT%20TAMILNET%20EXPOSED_1_2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DNT TAMILNET EXPOSED_1_2" border="0" alt="DNT TAMILNET EXPOSED_1_2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sb-86Z5257I/AAAAAAAAAmA/QZO47_Z6_9c/DNT%20TAMILNET%20EXPOSED_1_2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="286" /></a> </p> <p><strong>TamilNet Original Article Link</strong>: <a title="http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28592" href="http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28592">http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28592</a> <br /><strong>High Resolution Image Link (hosted on Tamilnet)</strong>: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/dxtlml">http://tinyurl.com/dxtlml</a> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Article 3 – Obe Angaya</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sb-875K-UDI/AAAAAAAAAmE/i2CU2piPrHQ/s1600-h/DNT%20TAMILNET%20EXPOSED_1_3%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DNT TAMILNET EXPOSED_1_3" border="0" alt="DNT TAMILNET EXPOSED_1_3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bJcQSqpFaMA/Sb-88xyyDmI/AAAAAAAAAmI/mXN4HbJbsJE/DNT%20TAMILNET%20EXPOSED_1_3_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="324" /></a> </p> <p><strong>TamilNet Original Article Link</strong>: <a title="http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28728" href="http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28728">http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=28728</a> <br /><strong>High Resolution Image Link (hosted on Tamilnet)</strong>: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/dhfomf">http://tinyurl.com/dhfomf</a></p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-27575730547043675032009-03-10T11:27:00.001+05:302009-03-10T11:27:10.125+05:30Suicide blast in Godapitiya, Matara<p>An explosion was reported in a Muslim religious ceremony in Godapitiya in Matara area. The explosion occurred when a Liberation Tigers suicide bomber detonated inside a mosque attended by a large number of civilians.</p> <p>Several people have been injured in the blast. According to our sources, government minister Mahinda Wijesekara who was attending the event is also among the injured. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-21745042553431210242009-03-08T20:38:00.001+05:302009-03-08T20:38:58.931+05:30Situation as of 08.03.2009<p>There is no truth to the rumors that are floating around which suggest the LTTE has pushed the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) back to Vishwamadu junction. Some pro LTTE media and gossip sites also reported that the LTTE had managed to overrun the Puthukuirippu junction. These reports are largely exaggerated.</p> <p>Several small LTTE attack teams however have managed to infiltrate into SLA held territory and have launched several hit and run attacks. It is these isolated attacks that the pro LTTE media exaggerate with attractive phrases like overrun’ ‘breached’, ‘pushed back’, etc. The truth is that the LTTE has not been able to breach any of SLA’s forward defence lines and they are still boxed into an area of around 40sq.km. </p> <p>Units from SLA’s 55, 57 and 58 divisions are positioned/advancing as below:</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="395" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"><strong>Division</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="325"><strong>Location</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">55</td> <td valign="top" width="321">South of Challai</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="77">57</td> <td valign="top" width="318">North, North East and East of Vishwamadu</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="80">58</td> <td valign="top" width="315">North, North East and East of PTK</td> </tr> </tbody></table> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-69445743602515980592009-02-20T21:57:00.001+05:302009-02-21T00:02:56.816+05:30Air Defence System Activated<p>At least two unidentified aircrafts have entered the skies over Colombo and the city’s air defence system has been activated. More information is not available as of this moment.</p> <p><strong>Update:</strong> One of the aircraft involved in the attack was shot down a short while ago near the Air Force Base in Katunayake. A body which is suspected to be of the pilot has been recovered.</p> <p>Meanwhile a building of the Inland Revenue department in Colombo fort has been damaged. Around 25 people injured in the incident were admitted to hospital. </p> <p><strong>Update 2:</strong> Both aircraft has been shot down. Meanwhile the aircraft shot down near Katunayake has crashed inside the HSZ. It appears that the plane carried a large amount of explosives. Even the pilot himself seems to have carried several hand grenades.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com338tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-45772146525932115102009-02-09T12:34:00.001+05:302009-02-09T12:55:51.455+05:30Civilian casualties in suicide blast - Dharmapuram<p>Heavy civilian casualties have been reported when a LTTE female suicide bomber detonated herself near an IDP center Vishwamadu area. Several soldiers of the 58 division have also been injured. As of this moment, exact casualty details are not available. The blast may have been planned to discourage any more civilians from crossing over the the government controlled territory. For the past two days alone more than 8000 civilians have managed to flee LTTE control. </p> <p>LTTE now seems to be heavily deploying their suicide cadres to attack the army. During the past two weeks more than 6 suicide attacks have targeted SLA FDL both at PTK as well as at Challai. Some of these attacks did inflict casualties on the army’s side. LTTE’s last ‘innovative attack’ to breach the army FDL south of PTK too turned into an unintentional suicide mission. Another 30 man ‘LTTE commando"’ unit was sent in an armor plated lorry to execute an attack similar to the one launched by the tigers on the 1st of February. The lorry along with around 30 tigers on board was pulverized by 53 division units before ‘LTTE commandos’ could fire a single shot. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-23364194861483125632009-02-05T17:46:00.001+05:302009-02-05T17:46:34.099+05:30Chalai falls<p>Troops of the 55 division have breached the 3rd and final LTTE defence line at Challai and have advanced into LTTE’s last remaining major sea tiger base. Fighting has been going on this area ever since SLA units <a href="http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2009/01/55-division-units-move-into-challai.html">breached LTTE’s second ‘earth bund’</a> about a week ago. Soldiers of the 7 VIR (Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment) attached to 55 division today overran the 3rd and final earth bund at Challai and moved further into LTTE held territory. Heaviest fighting in this area was reported in the past two days, specially during the night. The bund captured today and the <a href="http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2009/01/55-division-units-move-into-challai.html">one captured last week</a> were located about 2km apart from each other.</p> <p>According to military intelligence, several senior sea tiger wing members have perished in Challai fighting. A deputy sea tiger leader identified as Vinayagam, a sea tiger special commander identified as Kannan and several other regional leaders are said to be killed in yesterday and today’s fighting. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-11967602346392576812009-02-02T01:32:00.001+05:302009-02-02T01:32:32.526+05:30Fighting erupts south of Puthukkudiyiruppu<p>Heavy fighting erupted between the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) when a group of LTTE fighters tried to breach the 59 division forward defence line (FDL) yesterday (1st) morning. 18 SLA soldiers have been killed and around 50 more have been injured in the fighting. Two main battle tanks (MBT) and a tractor transporting supplies to the front line have also been damaged. SLA units have recovered around 15 dead bodies of LTTE cadres. Sporadic clashes are still continuing in the area.</p> <p>Meanwhile 58 division units yesterday recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition from an LTTE base located east of Puliyampokkanal. Among the recovered weapons were three 120mm heavy mortars – a weapon with a 7km-10km effective range. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com75tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-22955115588298918792009-01-28T16:32:00.001+05:302009-01-28T16:32:28.603+05:3058 division reaches Vishwamadu junction<p>LTTE’s defences on several fronts as collapsing. On one front the 59 division is extended their defences north of Mullathivu till Vaduvakal, a small village.On another front, 55 division units moving south of Chundikulam have breached LTTE defence line at Challai. Delivering yet another blow for LTTE, troops of the 58 division took control of Vishwamadu junction several hours ago. Two senior LTTE leaders identified as ‘Kobe Master’ and ‘Shanthan Kumar’ are believed to be killed in Vishwamadu fighting. Sporadic clashes are still continuing in this area.</p> <p>Meanwhile the ‘Liberation’ tigers have fled further towards the recently declared no war zone.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-16145780748173694282009-01-28T02:38:00.001+05:302009-01-28T02:44:57.753+05:3055 division units move into Challai<p>Troops from the Sri Lanka Army’s 55 division moved into Challai yesterday (27th) evening. Challai LTTE defences (located south of Chundikulam) were breached in several places in the advance. SLA have not officially declared this area captured yet as search operations are still continuing. The large number of land mines and booby traps placed by the tigers have considerably slowed down clearing ops. Capture of Challai is significant to the army as it’s home to one of the last remaining naval bases of the LTTE. 55 division is commanded by Brigadier Prasanna Silva, a former Special Forces commander who chased LTTE out of Vakarai back in 2007.</p> <p>Military intelligence (MI) earlier received information that LTTE had hidden its light aircraft in Challai region. So far however, no traces of such aircraft have been found. </p> <p>Meanwhile a large group of civilians fleeing into government controlled territory were attacked by LTTE yesterday morning. MI estimates the number of deaths to exceed 20 in this incident alone.</p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-8533807726766647582009-01-26T17:30:00.001+05:302009-01-26T20:32:02.948+05:30Troops capture Mullaithivu<p>The Sri Lanka army (SLA) now has complete control of the Mullathivu township which had been under LTTE control for the last 12 years. SLA’s massive base complex in Mullathivu fell in July, 1996 when LTTE launched their first Unceasing Waves operation. The first SLA units to enter Mullathivu town last morning were from the 59 division. A number of LTTE cadres were killed in operations in and around Mullathivu town and bodies of 19 fallen tigers have been recovered by the army. 59 division started its operations <a href="http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2007/12/weli-oya-next-front-in-wanni-battle.html">back in 2007 from Weli Oya sector</a> and have been continuously moving north into LTTE held territory in Mullathivu district.</p> <p>Meanwhile a a lot of false information regarding the Kalamadukulam tank bund explosion are being spread by pro LTTE media. According to some of these sites, over 3000 SLA units were killed and another 5000 were taken prisoner by the LTTE. DefenceNet can only laugh at these claims. When the LTTE blew up the tank bund using explosives, water began to flood sections of the A-35 road, Ramanadanpuram, Dharmapuran and Vishwamadu (which is currently under LTTE control). 6 SLA squads from 57 and 58 division were caught in the flood water and had to battle their way out as LTTE cadres on board 5 boats kept attacking them. 3 of these boats were destroyed while two others escaped. Although the situation was not as severe as the SLA initially expected it to be, several units from the 53 division were deployed in the affected area as a precautionary measure. 53 division is kept as a reserve force to be used in the event of an LTTE counterattack. Even though the floods failed to inflict any considerable damage to SLA, it did however cut off several land routes which the civilians could have used to get into the ‘safe zone’ (also known as ‘LTTE artillery launchpad’).  </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-27472097428476042972009-01-22T11:39:00.001+05:302009-01-22T20:11:01.050+05:30No fighter jets missing<p>Yesterday, pro LTTE media reported of a SLAF fighter jet which allegedly went missing in the ‘northern frontier’. According to Pro LTTE Tamilnet, a Mig fighter jet with three airmen inside was shot in the skies over Wanni. Part of the initial report is quoted below:</p> <blockquote> <p>A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) MIG fighter jet was shot in the skies over Vanni on Wednesday, according to initial reports from journalists outside Sri Lanka, who cited a highly placed source in Vanni Sri Lankan Forces Headquarters (Vanni SF-HQ). The Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE) officials were not available to comment on the reports. <br /><strong>There were 3 airmen inside the aircraft</strong>, according to the reports from the Sri Lankan side.</p> </blockquote> <p>DefenceNet can confirm that this story is completely false. There were no fighter jets missing and MIG27 ‘Flogger’ variant bombers the SLAF possesses are not designed to fly with three airmen inside. Tamilnet, after realizing their mistake have now updated the article:</p> <blockquote> <p>The exact model type of the MIG fighter jet was not revealed and the information on the number of airmen reported missing as three was also confusing, the journalist said.</p> </blockquote> <p>Apart from fabricated stories such as this one, pro LTTE media carry stories of civilians injured by SLA artillery fire/airstrikes on a daily basis. Aside from the exaggeration in these reports, they fail to mention how the LTTE has placed its heavy mortars in close proximity of civilian settlements and how civilians fleeing to government controlled territory are shot on sight. Civilians are not the target of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) or the artillery regiment. Had it not been for the human shield deployed by the LTTE, forces would have advanced even closer to last remaining tiger strongholds by now.</p> <p>Meanwhile the SLAF today dropped leaflets over Mullathivu, informing civilians of the newly declared safety zone. It is doubtful whether the LTTE will allow free movement of civilians to this area. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-63841742589533989912009-01-21T02:57:00.001+05:302009-01-21T03:01:13.478+05:304 LTTE boats sunk, SLN FAC damaged in sea battle<p>Four LTTE sea tiger craft including an explosive laden suicide boat were destroyed in a sea battle that ensued east of Mullaithivu coastline. A SLN Fast Attack Craft (FAC) also sustained heavy damages in the incident. The exact number of LTTE cadres killed is not known as of yet. SLN units have recovered two LTTE bodies from the area after the battle.</p> <p>It is believed that the LTTE flotilla was targeting one of the larger SLN vessels deployed in the Mullathivu seas. Luckily the boat movement was detected by FACs patrolling closer to the shore and SLN engaged the sea tigers before they could mount a surprise attack. A suicide boat tried to ram into one of the FACs but it was destroyed before it could reach its target. However, the suicide boat exploded in close proximity of the FAC and it sustained damages due to the blast.</p> <p>Meanwhile troops laying siege to Mullaithivu recovered 9 more LTTE bodies yesterday (20th). More than 100 LTTE bodies have been sent to Vavuniya and Anuradhapura hospitals in the past two weeks alone. Around 75 of these have already been buried since handing them over to the LTTE via ICRC was is longer possible. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9079007316930841006.post-78611592051516418422009-01-15T12:40:00.001+05:302009-01-15T12:40:26.358+05:30Troops capture LTTE runway in Iranamadu<p>The LTTE’s largest airstrip located near the Iranamadu tank, was captured today (15th) morning by Sri Lanka Army’s Task Force 3. The airstrip which was 1km long and 50m wide is now under complete SLA control. The premises was protected by fortified bunkers, landmines and booby traps. Buildings around the airstrip have been severely damaged by fleeing LTTE cadres. No traces of LTTE’s light aircraft were found. The Iranamadu airstrip has been subject to frequent aerial raids by the Sri Lanka Air Force. As per UAV footage , SLAF’s was successful in damaging the runway several times in the past. With the airstrip’s capture today, troops observed that the LTTE had managed to repair most of the damage caused by SLAF bombings. </p> <p>Meanwhile with the capture of Chundikulam, the entire Jaffna peninsula is now under SLA control. LTTE’s last major base in Jaffa district was overrun yesterday by the 55 division. 55 division units have captured several heavy vehicles and over 100 small sea tiger craft during this advance. </p> DefenceNethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11553575476849786179noreply@blogger.com123