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| Sri Lanka |
| Blow-by-blow accounts of 58 Division entering Tiger-controlled NFZ |
| 2009-05-01 |
| But the most challenging task of capturing heavily fortified earth bund which separated the No Fire Zone into two from the South of Valayamadam came on Monday night. The LTTE had constructed this earth bund soon after they were defeated in Puthu-kudiyiruppu. They took every possible measure to prevent the Security Forces reaching the most sensitive area in the No Fire Zone. The earth bund which was constructed from the beach front to lagoon front right across the No Fire Zone from East to West in the South of Valayamadam was 10 feet in height and 700 metres in length. There was a 6 feet deep ditch behind that earth bund so that troops attempting to cross this earth bund end up in falling into that ditch. Since the situation was quite challenging, the General Officer Commanding of the 58 Division Brigadier Shavendra Silva took a decision to cross this earth bund during the night as the resources that could be committed to this operation was limited in view of the latest decision by the Government. Strict instructions were given to the troops not to fire artillery, mortar and other heavy weapons during this operation. Therefore, troops were equipped only with their small arms during this operation. Gonna get a lot of guys killed doing that. Despite this situation infantrymen attached to the 58 Division were able to capture the earth bund following close quarter fighting with the LTTE cadres holding that earth bund. A desperate, horrific fight described in a single bland sentence. After close quarter fighting with the LTTE the infantry troops of the 58 Division captured the earth bund. But, the real fighting began after troops dominated the earth. The LTTE leaders, who were totally disappointed with the situation, sent an explosive laden truck into the earth bund around 1.30 am in the morning. Here come the Black Tigers all-star team. Soldiers who were ready to face any eventuality displayed their gallantry firing RPGs to the truck which was fast moving towards the earth bund. Troops, managed to blow up the explosive laden truck even without an iota of regard for their safety. But it was not the end. On Wednesday too the LTTE made several suicide attempts to recapture the earth bund in Rettavaikkal. According to military there had been six suicide missions by the LTTE to recapture the earth bund between 2.30 a.m. and 4.30 a.m. on Wednesday. Three suicide cadres, two explosive laden motorbikes and a double cab were blown off by the troops before they reached towards military controlled areas. It was display of gallantry by the troops, even though they were aware of the fact that they too will be blown off once they fired RPGs to those moving vehicles but they did it for the sake of the country. "Pro Patria" A number of soldiers sacrificed their lives and some were wounded but managed to withhold to all suicide missions by the LTTE which had become the sole weapon of the LTTE at this moment. Even under these circumstances the 58 Division troops managed to advance further south of the earth bund and had linked up with the 53 Division troops operating in the South of Valayamadam. The 58 Division troops are now heading towards the junction which links the Puthumattalan - Mulluaitivu road into the Paranthan - Mullaitivy A-35 road. During the search and clear operations troops recovered an improvised armour-plated six-wheel truck, apparently used for transport of LTTE terrorist leaders across uncleared areas in the most recent past. This bullet-proof vehicle could accommodate a few passengers inside in addition to its driver. Pics of truck at this link. With some spikes it could be a Road Warrior vehicle. The front section of the vehicle, identical to that of a modern electric train had also a powerful communication antenna, jutting out from one side of the driverÂ’s seat. The vehicle has also been used recently as empty biscuit wrappers and water bottles were found inside. Troops engaged in search and clear operations also uncovered a massive suicide craft fitted with two 400 HP engines. According to military more than 1500 Kg of explosives can be stored inside this craft and it could make a devastating impact if it rams into a big vessel. Twin 400s, yeah that'll get you going. Security Forces believe that the LTTE had designed this huge explosive craft targeting the troop carrier Jet Liner which transported 3,000 troops who were going on leave and reporting back to duty in the Jaffna peninsula. Even the military intelligence were not aware of existence such a huge suicide craft which has been designed to operate in the surface of the sea without being detected on Radar screens. The recovery of such a huge suicide craft is a great relief for the Security Forces. Much more at the link, as usual. |
| Posted by:gromky |
| #1 Compare wid PAKISTANI DEFENSE FORUM [paraph] > IFF ELECTED TO POWER, AIADMK PARTY SECRETARY-LDR J. JAYALITHAA VOWS TO SEND INDIAN ARMY TO SRI LANKA TO CARVE OUT "TAMIL ELAM" HOMELAND BY FORCE. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2009-05-01 19:26 |