OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT  

Food supplies are reported to be running low in Jaffna and items such as children’s milk and fuel are scarce. Sri Lankan Army has informed the SLMM that fishing restriction imposed on the Jaffna fishermen might be relaxed. However the current curfew is likely to remain in place and cordon searches are being intensified in areas close to the main supply roads from KKS/Palali to the FDL areas.

 

Mannar district was calm this week, with a few incidents along the A14 road that indicate some LTTE activities in the area south of the road. Also, the SLN blew up a ship off the coast of Arippu that was believed to be transporting weapons to Silivatturai.

 

In Vavuniya district there were fewer incidents than the previous week. Two civilians were found killed in the same area that five civilians were killed the week before. In Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi districts there was more tension with air strikes hitting both Puthukudiyriuppu and Kokkavil in Mullaithuvu districts. The past week saw 4 deaths and 14 injuries. Three of the dead were young children.

 

LTTE targeted an SLN convoy near Habarana, killing over 100 sailors. The reaction from the Singhalese in Trincomalee town was less violent than feared. The LTTE performed a claymore attack in Nilaveli that resulted in no injuries. The LTTE is reported to have attacked SLA Check Point in Mahindapura.

 

The TMVP (Karuna political party) opened its office officially on Friday 20 October in Trincomalee. The Police found a hand grenade close to the TMVP office and SLMM expects that there could be an increase in the violence between the TMVP and LTTE

 

Batticaloa district has been mostly calm this week, apart from air strikes taking place against the LTTE. The typical shelling of Zone of Separation areas has decreased. The shelling continued every day, but significantly less than before. Air strikes against the LTTE area was observed on the 18 and the 19 October. One civilian woman died, two civilians injured.

 

According to reports 1-2000 families had been displaced from the zone of separation around Kiran due to “constant shelling”. With all ZoS areas included, real figures are probably much higher. The tension have also decreased in the northern part of the district, were new fight had been expected.

 

The tendency of armed robberies and extortion by an unidentified armed group has continued to increase.

 

In Ampara district, the situation has been calm and quiet. LTTE is suspected for one assault against Home guards. Abductions of children and adults have continued in both Batticaloa and Ampara districts. 

 

A new mass abduction of at least 8 children and one adult occurred in Samanthurai on the 19 October. All victims were reportedly taken by Karuna group and brought to the TMVP office in Akkaraipattu. The Karuna group is suspected to be behind at least 12 abductions of children and 4 adults. LTTE is suspected for having abducted one adult. The high amount of abductions is following the same pattern as observed in the latest report.