Heavy LTTE infiltration in Mannar

Sri Lanka Army's military intelligence corps (MI) have learnt that a large number of LTTE intelligence wing members have infiltrated SLA controlled territory in Mannar. LTTE cadres disguised as civilians have been able to enter SLA controlled areas and mix in with the civil population in the region. Disrupting civilian life, launching hit and run attacks on army convoys, gathering intel on future army offensives in the region and locating SLA artillery and MBRL positions are supposed to be the main objectives of these LTTE intelligence wing members.

LTTE senior leadership is concerned about a future army offensive into Wanni heartland through the Mannar region.  Loss of Thampanai/Madhu regions to the army could cause the major sea tiger base in Silawathurei fall. Silawathurei is a known sea tiger launching pad and many LTTE suicide boats are said to be launched from here. MI learns that LTTE has dug additional trenches and a 3rd bunker line after heavily mining the no-man-zone ahead of Mannar FDLs. 

LTTE sea tiger leader critically wounded

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)'s sea going arm suffered a major setback on the 18th when a boat explosion critically wounded their leader, Soosei (codename Oska-Sera). The explosion occurred in Nanthikadal lagoon when a sea tiger training exercise was in progress. 

Soosei received serious injuries when an explosive laden boat near his command vessel suddenly exploded. Soosei's son (Shankar) and his bodyguard are reported to have been killed in the explosion. Unconfirmed reports from the Mullaithiv LTTE controlled territory suggest that a Sri Lanka Army (SLA)'s special Deep Striking squad (not part of 3SF) was behind the incident.

Meanwhile, army's limited offensive to neutralize LTTE mortars near Mannar FDL has been met with severe resistance. However 4 and 8 man specialized infantry squads have been able to destroy at least 2  LTTE heavy mortar positions in the region. A 4 man Special Forces team who went MIA few days ago have also reported to base on Saturday (21st). Much of the army casualties in these offensives have been caused by Artillery strikes (LTTE is known to have placed a 122mm artillery gun in close proximity to Madhu shrine) and land mines.

LTTE Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher uncovered : Thoppigala

Sri Lanka Army soldiers engaged in clearing operations in Omunugala region were able to uncover one of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)'s most valued possessions today. Army was able to unearth one of the two Multiple Rocket Launching systems which the LTTE had previously used to shell army positions.

The 12 barreled 107mm MBRL is said to be in usable condition. LTTE cadres had applied a large amount of grease on to the weapon, to prevent it from decaying and rusting. Unlike the 120mm mortars which were previously discovered, the MBRL has not been deliberately damaged before burial by the fleeing LTTE cadres .

SLAF bombs LTTE targets in Mannar

Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) jet bombers took off from KAB to bomb identified LTTE targets in the heated Mannar region today at around 11.30AM. Several LTTE mortar positions and gathering points were bombed in the raid. Fighter jets attached to the 10th fighter squadron took part in the sortie.

Meanwhile Naval troops observed an unidentified aircraft in Trincomalee region yesterday. It is now confirmed that the sighted aircraft did not belong to SLAF. It is speculated that the plane belonged to Tamil tigers and it was on a training/intelligence mission. 

Meanwhile on the 13th, many pro LTTE media claimed that a Sri Lanka Air Force Kfir Jet bomber crash landed after being hit by anti aircraft fire. The statement was backed by photographic evidence; photographs showed what was supposed to be parts of the damaged aircraft. However, DefenceNet can confirm that this claim is completely false and no SLAF aircraft were damaged in any such incident.

Beirut camp overrun: SLA reach Thoppigala mountain

Sri Lanka Army's infantry formations spearheaded by the commando regiment, reached Thoppigala mountain and secured the area without much rebel resistance few hours ago. Majority of the LTTE cadres who previously occupied defensive positions in the area had fled in the face of multi pronged army advance backed by air support. Sri Lankan flag is now hoisted on top of Thoppigala mountain.

A large number of destroyed vehicles belonging to LTTE have been discovered by troops in the past few hours. These include five tractors loaded with food supplies, two double cabs, one lorry and five motorbikes.

LTTE's eastern province leaders including Jeyam and Nagesh are suspected to have fled to the jungles west of Thoppigala. It is believed that LTTE moved their heavy artillery guns including 3 120mm mortars and 2 6-barreled MBRLs to these jungles as well.

Operations to capture areas west of Thoppigala are still in progress.

LTTE regional leader, 4 senior cadres killed in DPU attack

A claymore explosion set off by the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol blew up a vehicle carrying LTTE cadres killing 5 and injuring 3. The incident took place inside LTTE controlled Mankulam area. An LTTE regional leader is said to be among the killed.

The vehicle was disguised as a medical services and transport unit to avoid army interception. MI had recently warned SLA of LTTE's use of Ambulances and relief/aid related vehicles to transport its cadres for military purposes, without detection.

30mm cannon misfire injures 4 airmen : KAB

Accidental firing of a 30mm cannon attached to a Kfir bomber caused injuries to 4 airmen and damaged a fighter jet , at the Katunayake Air Base (KAB) today. The bomber was being armed when the incident occured.

4 airmen who were on duty at KAB were injured due to the explosion. The fighter jet too was damaged in the incident but the damages were minimal and the fighter jet is repairable condition.

A Kfir bomber is armed with 2 Rafael-built DEFA 553 30-mm cannons for multirole purpose.

Commandos ambush LTTE transport

Sri Lanka Army's commando units ambushed an LTTE transport killing at least 15 cadres yesterday. LTTE cadres were fleeing the besieged Thoppigala region using two tractors when they were ambushed.

Commando units have been spearheading the Thoppigala offensive which has been progressing slowly amidst stiff LTTE resistance. Army's infantry formations have virtually surrounded the Thoppigala region, blocking all major supply routes to remaining LTTE bases. However, the LTTE has been able to smuggle in essential supplies and ammunition to their major bases in Thravikulam which is supposed to be the hideout of LTTE leaders including Nagesh and Jeyam.

LTTE artillery hits SLA positions : Thoppigala

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fired their long range artillery at army positions in Narakamulla north today, killing at least 6 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) personnel. The positions shelled were areas recently captured by the SLA. Five soldiers and one army Major were killed in the incident.

Following the army's advance, LTTE had moved their long range weapons including mortars and MBRLs to a location west of Thoppigala. LTTE is known to operate at least 2 6-barreled Multiple Rocket Launchers and at least 4 120MM Mortar launchers in the eastern province. 120MM mortars (nicknamed 'arti mortar') have a range of 7-10KM and the mortar shell is known to inflict heavy splash damage on impact.

DefenceNet : Site Updates & Notifications

Improved RSS Feeds and E-Mail subscriptions have been added (Check right hand panel). Old RSS feed will continue to work but it is recommended to switch to the new one as soon as possible.

We have recently noticed heavy flaming and trolling in the comments sections. Therefore we would like to request all bloggers to keep the discussions civil. Any comments containing offensive language or racist content will immediately be deleted without warning.

DefenceNet was launched as an unbiased news source bringing the latest news from the battlefield. Our reader base has grown in a rapid pace in the past six months but our goal remains the same; to publish the truth. We thank all of our readers for staying with us and we welcome your feedback on the site.

LRRP attack hits LTTE escort

Sri Lanka Army's deep penetration unit detonated a claymore mine targeting a senior LTTE leader's escort last week. The target of this LRRP attack was a senior leader of the LTTE; Colonel Bhanu. 3 senior LTTE cadres were killed in this incident but Bhanu is said to have escaped unharmed.

Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) detonated a claymore mine deep inside LTTE controlled area north of Mannar targeting the LTTE convoy. Bhanu's double cab which got caught in the explosion was completely destroyed. However the primary target was not in the vehicle when the explosion occurred. 3 senior LTTE cadres who were traveling in the double can were killed instantly.

LRRP consists of highly trained soldiers of the 3rd Special Forces regiment (3SF). Successful Long Range Surveillance (LRS) and Deep Penetration Unit (DPU) missions carried out in the recent times have caused panic in LTTE ranks with LTTE leadership limiting public appearances.