The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) organization suffered a terrible blow in the area east of Puthukkudiyiruppu. In what may very well be the defining moment of the ongoing war the tigers have lost a vast array of illustrious fighting commanders as well as large numbers of cadres in a single set piece battle. More than 525 bodies of dead LTTE fighters have been recovered and a special military intelligence squad sent from colombo is busy identifying those killed. The LTTE keeps death silence over the debacle and its propaganda networks are keeping their fingers on the lips as well.
Over 250 terrorists were reported killed including senior LTTE rankers Theepan(LTTE's former 'Northern region' chief), Ruben, Nagesh, Gadaphi (former body guard of Prabakaran), Vidusha ('Malathi' female wing head), Durga ('Soothiya' female wing head) and Kamalini following pitched battles that ensued between troops and LTTE, East of Puthukkudiyirippu sources confirmed.
Although they are keeping silent, tiger officials are informing close family members of the other tigers about what has happened to their departed relatives. MI sources confirmed that a senior LTTE leader telephoned the elder brother of “Colonel” Theepan living in Canada and informed him of the tragic death of his brother. Among the fallen tigers “Col” Theepan is perhaps the single biggest loss to the movement since he had the respect among the hardcore carders as a good fighter. This LTE veteran hails from Kandawalai in Kilinochchi district and served as overall commander of the LTTE northern front fighting formations(mainly in the muhamalei nagerkovil defense line). Sivatheepan Thavabalasingham alias Theepan was also the de-facto deputy military commander of the LTTE after the demise of Balraj.
Among other senior tigers killed were the special commander and commander of the Jeyanthan infantry brigade, Keerthi and Nagesh.(The Jeyanthan brigade is raised from Eastern province cadres). Manickapodi Maheswaran alias Keerthi is a native of Arasaditheevu in Batticaloa district and served as intelligence chief for the east earlier. Selvaratnam Sundaram alias Nagesh is a native of Periyaporatheevu and has served as district military commander earlier.
Another huge loss to LTTE is that of Gaddafi also known as Viduthalai and Amuthan. This one-time chief bodyguard of Prabhakaran was later turn out to be a high ranking commander of the Imran-Pandian regiment. MI is now gathering information to decide whether this is the same Gadafi who’s name is on the sam launchers found by the SLA few weeks ago.(DR has posted details about this few weeks back) Currently he was in charge of the tiger training academy.
The LTTE elite special forces division is named after former tiger leader Radha. This force was led by Silambarasan . He was killed. The deputy-commander of Radha regiment Anbu was also killed. Likewise Asmi the leader of “Ponnamman” mining unit was also died. The leader of “Kittu” artillery unit, Manivannan and chief of “Kutty Sri” mortar unit Gopal were also among the KIA.
An unconfirmed report states that S. Thangan , the deputy-political commissar and administrative officer under SP Thamilselvan has also killed. Among other senior tigers killed who have been identified are Ruban, Panjan, Aadithyan and Chitrangan. A senior sea tiger Mahindan has also been killed. Sources close to SLA has also revealed that more than 50 carders including several high ranking leaders were surrendered to the infantrymen of SLA. But this senario was not revealed due to sensitive matters.
No comments:
Post a Comment