OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT

In spite of both Parties indicating that they are ready for talks the ground realities spell out a different story. A total of 79 bodies were brought from the battlefield and handed over to the SLA. There were some also unverified reports of aerial bombardments in Mullaitivu.

 

In Jaffna frequent killings, attacks and a new spate of assassinations are taking place. Political opponents, civilians and police officers are among the victims. The humanitarian situation is furthermore worsening. Food and fuel queues are observed on daily bases. Jaffna’s Bishop called to end the boycott of education so school have reopened. Curfew is still in place between 1800 and 0500 hrs.

 

In Vanni the major problem at the moment is the lack of fuel. Basic food items are also scarce. Restrictions on UN agencies have relaxed a little so they travel more freely and some relief items sent up to Vanni were let through for the first time since 11 August.

 

Twelve civilians were reported killed in and around Vavuniya town. There is great fear among the population and the killings seem to be a revenge for earlier killings. This could lead to an increased tension between the Tamil and Sinhalese communities.

 

In Mannar, an incident took place where armed groups seem to be involved and allowed to operate without any interference from the Security forces. Until now, there had been few indications that third armed elements were present in Mannar, but this seems to be changing now.

 

Some abductions have been taking place in Trincomalee believed to be related to the Karuna group.

 

Fighting in Verugal and Vakarai areas has calmed down.

 

The SLA has started a mine clearing operation in the Sampor area. According to GOSL there are at least 3000 mines there. 80 mines were found near Palaithoppur earlier this week. The GOC says that the SLA does not wish any assistance fro NGOs for mine clearing but without this help the operation will take months and resettlement of Tamils will take significant time.

 

Besides the fighting in Panichchankerny and Vakarai”, Batticaloa district was relatively calm over the last week. On the 9 October, the Karuna office situated next to SLA 232 bde in Sittandy came under attack by LTTE. The SLA retaliated, a dead body of suspected LTTE cadre was found the next morning. Nine (9) abductions were recorded, most of the victims children, suspects being the Karuna group. Four (4) assassinations took place. The usual shelling in the Zone of Separation areas has almost disappeared, except in the south. It can be mentioned that armed robberies and extortion by what seemingly are armed groups has increased.

 

In Ampara district, the situation deteriorated last week with STF intensifying operations from the northern part of the district with shelling and penetrations into the LTTE controlled area. SLMM received information that 27 adults and children had been abducted by the Karuna faction in Akkaraipattu and Tirukkovil. 16 official complaints were received.  

 

On the 11 October, an UAV was reportedly doing surveillance over the LTTE areas, followed by an attack and infiltration on the next morning. STF had reportedly penetrated deep inside the LTTE area.

 

On the 14 October, SLMM was informed that the operation was over. No casualties were reported.