Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090856591400.htm

International

Sri Lanka fighting at critical stage

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: The Air Force on Sunday claimed to have bombed several LTTE targets in the north. Further, the military said at least 17 LTTE cadre were killed and five injured in the fighting.

There is consensus among military analysts and diplomats here that with the military closing in on LTTE-held areas, the next few weeks would be critical for both sides. The LTTE appears to be cornered and left with no option but to defend itself as the military has captured considerable territory in the north in the recent past.

The Defence Ministry is convinced that with the capture of the LTTE’s “strategic bases,” its supply lines have been hard-hit. The military has assessed the LTTE is also faced with a serious shortage of fighters.

The Air Force said jets continued “pounding multiple LTTE targets with precision.” Among the raids included an air-strike at a “terrorist gathering position” near Kilinochchi. The strikes were made to support the advancing 58 Division troops. The Air Force claimed it launched precision strikes at an LTTE recruitment training centre in Mullathivu. The LTTE has so far not acknowledged the air-strikes.

Also, MI-24 helicopter gun-ships launched “extensive air assaults at a pre-identified Sea Tiger camp” in Kavitharamunai, located west of Kilinochchi. “Severe damages are expected following the raid at the Sea Tiger facility, which was code-named ‘Kadal’. The facility was used for training and coordination of terrorist activities and as a launch pad for LTTE infiltration groups into the peninsula,” said a Defence Ministry report.