OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT

The general tension in the North and East of Sri Lanka was relatively high during the period. Shelling across the Northern Forward Defence Lines (FDL) was very frequent from both Parties. Similarly, constant shelling took place from Batticaloa towards the Western LTTE controlled areas. There was also infrequent shelling both near the Southern Forward Defence Lines and in the Northern part of the Trincomalee district.

 

Batticaloa district continued to be tense with a continuous flow of IDPs from the Western areas towards Batticaloa town and the already existing IDP camps. This situation deteriorated towards the end of the week when the GOSL started a military offensive towards the LTTE controlled areas in the district from several directions. The numbers of casualties from this offensive is so far unknown, but is expected to be high. The GOSL seems to have gained some territory, but as this falls in line with earlier LTTE tactics of fallback to more advantageous positions in the East, it is impossible to say whether these gains will be kept. Since this offensive started the IDP flow has been numbered in tens of thousands. International organisations have been working around the clock to find space for all incoming civilians in the area, but the situation is becoming increasingly severe.

 

Additionally in Batticaloa/Ampara several smaller attacks in the form of claymores and hand grenades against the Security Forces took place, resulting in a total of ten personnel killed and 17 injured. One of these incidents also resulted in civilian casualties, but there were otherwise no direct attacks on civilians. The level of abductions remained the same. Ampara district continued to be calm until the end of the week when there were several attacks on the Security Forces.

 

In the other districts the level of tension and violence was similar to the preceding week. In Jaffna the strict curfew as well as the complete fishing ban was maintained and tension remained high. Assassinations and abductions continue on a daily basis. The district saw a further build up with more Security Forces soldiers and checkpoints being visible, as well as more search operations taking place.

 

A decrease in violence was noted in Vavuniya whereas an increase in tension took place in Mannar, especially with an LTTE ambush on the Security Forces and civilians in the Wilpattu National Park on Saturday. Shelling continued towards the North from GOSL controlled areas.

 

In Trincomalee the situation stayed calm, with a low number of incidents.

 

Kilinochchi district experienced three aerial attacks in the North Eastern parts, but was otherwise calm. Earlier rumours of GOSL troop movements from the Trincomalee district towards the South Eastern border of the Vanni were confirmed.

 

 

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES

SLMM is still working on establishing a new operations centre in Negombo. PID teams were sent to all districts this week. SLMM Monitors are distributed between HQ rear, Northern and Eastern offices. Support functions are fully operational at HQ Colombo.