Air Force destroys LTTE aircraft - Mullaittiuvu

Sri Lanka Air Force has shot down one of the aircraft belonged to LTTE terrorists this morning (Sept 9).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said, the aircraft has been shot down in the Mualaithiuvu skies while running away following a failed mission.

He said Air Defence Radars have picked up two LTTE light aircraft while they were approaching to the Vavuniya area around 4 AM. Then the fighter jets launched from Katunayaka airbase, have intercepted the terror aircraft and destroyed one of them, he added.

Speaking further he said , the aim of LTTE in this air mission was to target the Vavuniya airbase. However, the terrorist have failed to deliver their bombs on the target , he added.

Meanwhile, Military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the terrorist have launched coordinated artillery attack at the Forward Defence of Vavuniya to support the attempted aerial mission. Troops have retaliated with heavy artillery and brought the situation under control, he added.

LTTE believed to have suffered heavy losses when Air Force carried out spoiling attacks at LTTE reserves in Kilinochchi during last couple of days. In a series of air raids, Air Force targeted number of terror marshalling points causing a severe damage to the enemy fighting capability.

Extrcated from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080909_01

Army takes commanding position west of A-9 bags Tunukkai, eyes Mallavi, Mankulam under threat

The LTTE yesterday abandoned Tunukkai on the Vanni front as the army brought the strategically important area west of the A9 road under its control.

The withdrawal came after three weeks of fierce fighting between the 57 Division and LTTE units spearheaded by the elite Charles Anthony ‘Brigade.’ The SLAF over the past few weeks engaged a range of LTTE targets in the area to facilitate the ground assault. The elite Special Forces troops assigned to the 57 Command had played a pivotal role in the fightng, the military said. The military acknowledged that the battle for Tunukkai had the toughest confrontation faced by the 57 Division commanded by Major General Jagath Dias in the recent past.

After failing to breakthrough LTTE positions south of Tunukkai, the army on Thursday had pushed towards the town from their positions west and north of the town situated halfway along the Mankulam-Vellankulam road.

The 57 Division had secured Madhu, Palampiddi, Mundumurippu, Periyamadhu, Naddakandal, Chiradikkulam and Kalvilan areas before its latest success..

Army headquarters said that ground operations on the western front had reached a critical stage with troops taking a commanding position against LTTE fortifications along the A9 road between Omanthai and Mankulam.

Senior military officials said the Task Force I on the Kilinochchi front, 57 Division on the Mullaitivu front and Task Force II advancing northwards on the right flank of the 57 Division and west of the A9, had taken the upper hand in the overall campaign in the Vanni west.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/23/news2.html

SLAF fighters pound LTTE logistic base - Mullaittiuvu

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets pounded LTTE logistic base located at Vishwamadu in Mullaittiuvu District this morning, 22 August.

Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that the targeted LTTE base was identified as one of the main LTTE's logistic facilities containing vehicle spare parts and other combat items adding that it is located in general area Dharmapuram, 5Km north of Vishwamadu tank in Mullaittiuvu district.

The air sorties were carried out around 9.30 AM and the Air Force confirmed that targeted LTTE base was destroyed completely.

Meanwhile, SLAF MI-24 helicopters launched an air raid targeting the LTTE defence line located 17 Km north-west of Thunukkai in general area south of Wannerikulam tank, Kilinochchi District around 6.30 AM today. The air bombardment carried out in support of ground troops of Task Force 1 advancing northwards in Wanni liberating offensive, Air Force spokesperson added.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080822_02

A Rescue Mission by SLAF

Video Source,
http://www.youtube.com/user/kkair



Video Source,
SLRC

Original Source,
http://www.defence.lk/videos/20080815Rescue.wmv

Read more about the mission,
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/08/lrrp-recue-video-posted-on-defencelk.html
and
http://www.rivira.lk/2008/08/17/ranabima.htm

Striped Icarus’ airstrip

An accelerated project the LTTE has launched to build a clandestine airstrip capable of taking heavy aircraft in Mullaitivu has raised many an eyebrow in defence circles. LTTE cadres, as we reported yesterday, are said to be carrying out construction work like beavers with the help of heavy machinery day and night, paying scant regard to their vulnerability to airstrikes. Why are the Tigers in a mighty hurry to build such an airstrip at this juncture?

There are several possibilities. The LTTE is trapped in the Wanni with its sea and land supply routes being severed effectively. The on-going military onslaughts to clear the A-32 land route on the North-western seaboard and to block the LTTE’s access to the sea on the North-eastern littoral are a frightening proposition for Prabhakaran, who is also facing a military thrust targeting the soft underbelly of his Kilinochchi bastion. The army is poised to launch an offensive on the Muhamalai front anytime. Therefore, it may be argued that the LTTE may be trying to have an aerial escape route open for its leaders, should push come to shove.

It may also be that the LTTE is expecting an emergency consignment of military material to be delivered by a huge cargo carrier for the final battle in Kilinochchi. The possibility of a rescue operation with help from an external source cannot also be ruled out. It could also be that the LTTE has in its possession larger planes than the ones it has unveiled and it is planning to take them out as the last resort for some unknown mission. The runway project could even be a ploy to distract the SLAF from other targets or to lure it into a trap.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/16/editorial.html

Air Force destroy 3 LTTE nerve centers in Wanni

Sri Lanka Air Force carried out 3 historic air missions targeting 3 of the LTTE's most vital nerve centers in the Wanni during last few hours, said the defence sources.

According to Air Force spokesperson , Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, the first of the triple air raids was carried out last midnight targeting the LTTE's Sea Tiger forward operating base at Nagasivanthurai in Poonaryn.

"LTTE occupations near Nagasivanthurai Jetty , a Radar point and a boatyard was destroyed in this mission carried out by MI 24 helicopters", he said. Speaking further the said that the target was operated as a forward reconnaissance centre by the LTTE.

The defence intelligence sources said that the targeted location has gained highest strategic importance in LTTE's military plans of late, aimed at avoiding the impending military defeat.

The second air raid was conducted by fighter jets at 9.55 AM targeting the main operation centre of the LTTE's intelligence wing located at Iranapalai, North of Puthukkudiyiruppu, in the Mullaittiuvu district. According to the defence intelligence sources, the target was one of the most secured terror base with the highest strategic importance to the LTTE.

Air Force spokesperson citing after-mission reports confirmed the target was destroyed.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080809_03

Air Force Fighter Jets destroy training camp of LTTE suicide bombers

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed a training facility of LTTE suicide bombers also known as Black Tigers located in the Iranamadu area, 3km southeast of Kilinochchi this morning (July 30).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk confirmed that the terror camp was destroyed in the air raid carried out at 6.35 AM. He said, citing fighter pilots that the camp was in flames after the bombing mission.

Meanwhile, defence intelligence sources said the targeted "Black Tiger" camp was operated directly under guidance of LTTE's notorious intelligence wing leader Pottu Amman. The target was obtained after receiving real time ground information that an activity of suicide bombers was going on at the camp, said the sources. The exact location of the target was in the Thirivaiaru area , just 3 Km off from the LTTE's main stronghold at Kilinochchi, the sources added.

LTTE is a ruthless terror outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. The organizations operates under extreme tribal ideologies created by its megalomaniac leader V. Prabhakaran and has unleashed one of the most barbaric terrorist wars in the world against the citizens of Sri Lanka.

Source,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080730_05

Air Force fighter jets raid LTTE recruit training centre - Oddusuddan

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets launched air strikes targeting an LTTE recruit training centre in the Oddusuddan area, approximately 20 km Southwest of Mulaithiuvu this morning (July 24).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that the air raids were launched at 7.30 AM. He said that the targeted camp was located 4km North of Muthuaiyankaddu Tank . The target was accurately obtained, he added citing the fighter pilots.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080724_02

Wanni Operation 22 th of July

Source,
http://www.youtube.com/user/sinhahada

Air intelligence confirms 22 LTTE suicide bombers killed in air raid - Mullaittiuvu

Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that 22 LTTE suicide bombers (Black Tigers ) were killed in the air raid carried out this morning (July 22) at the Uddayarkattukulam LTTE camp.

Citing Air Force intelligence sources , he said that the group of the slain LTTE cadres had been engaged in a rehearsal of a major suicide operation at the time of the air raid.

Air Force fighter jets launched an air strike targeting pre identified LTTE special operation training facility located Northeast of Uddayarkattukulam in the Mullaittiuvu district around 8.15a.m.

The Air Force sources said, targeted camp was providing training for LTTE cadres in special operations and in leadership for the terror leaders. Activities in the terror camp had a significant increase recently, the sources added.

LTTE is the terror outfit that pioneered the suicide bombing tactics to the world. The outfit has been using brainwashed youth, mostly women and teenagers to commit suicide as human bombs. LTTE select these youths from orphanages or recruit those who have undergone gender or cast discrimination promising them to redeem their dignity by dieing for the tribal cause.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080722_05

Forces moving towards west Mullaitivu

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the Security Forces engaged in liberating the North were moving towards west of Mullaitivu as part of their humanitarian mission.

Addressing the media yesterday at the MCNS, Brigadier Nanayakkara said the Security Forces who liberated the Eastern Province on a humanitarian mission had moved to the North to liberate it from LTTE clutches.

“Commandos on the Mannar and Wanni front marked many victories against the LTTE and liberated from the LTTE grip. Troops are marching towards the Mullaitivu entered west of Mullaitivu along the A9 road to liberate one of the LTTE strong hold in the North,” he added.

The Security Forces also liberated 67 square kilometers in the Weli Oya area in the Northern front including One Four Base scattered in the Mullaitivu jungle, Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

Navy spokesman Commander D.P.K. Dassanayake said at least 13 Tiger boats were destroyed and six LTTE cadres killed including sea Tiger leaders on Sunday, Navy and Air Force joint operation in the sea off Nachchikuda, North of Illuppaikkadavai.

Commenting on reports in pro-LTTE websites that the Navy targeted fishermen, Commander Dassanayake queried as to why ‘fishermen’ should use 85 horsepower boats and fire at the Navy. Commander Dassanayake said the Navy had established a Naval Blockade between Mannar and Delft Island to block weapons supplies to the LTTE from India and block fleeing Tigers.

“There was a difficulty in the past to operate in the area as it was covering a shallow sea area and we have now introduced a new boat squadron and over 50 naval Dvora boats were deployed to operate the blockade,” he added.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/22/sec02.asp

Navy-Air Force combined Attack destroys 06 LTTE Boats and damages Two off Nachchikuda

The combined attack launched by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force, destroyed six (06) LTTE boats and completely damaged another two in a sea confrontation that lasted for over two hours in the seas off Nachchikuda, located on the North-western coast, today (20th July 2008).

Naval craft on patrol had engaged the enemy craft upon observing a movement of a flotilla of 6-8 LTTE boats south of Nachchikuda around 1630 hrs. The Air Force air support was subsequently called for and the LTTE boat movement was completely immobilized in the combined naval and air attack that ensued. The monitoring of enemy communication has confirmed that more than 15 LTTE cadres have been killed in the confrontation.

Naval troops suffered no casualties and none of their craft received any damages in the sea confrontation.

Extracted from,
http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=910

Army Reaches The Coast Again

The tempo of combat continues to increase, but the LTTE have developed a recruiting and training system that enables them to continue resisting the army. LTTE recruiters keep track of births and go looking for boys and girls when they reach 17. Potentially, that's over 10,000 recruits a year. But with those in hiding, or girls who are married, they get about half that.

This includes those who desert from training, although most go for the indoctrination and become loyal LTTE fighters. But these are young and inexperienced kids with guns. The LTTE cadres (veteran fighters) act as sergeants and officers to supervise the kids, who don't last long in combat. But this forces the army to fight bunker by bunker, and town by town. That reduces the amount of LTTE territory, and population, and the available recruits.

The air force has increased reconnaissance activities, partly because of new Israeli UAVs that arrived recently. The air force is looking for the LTTE construction equipment (bulldozers and such), that are used to build new bunkers, behind ones recently lost to the army.

The construction equipment can build new bunkers quickly enough to halt the army advance. Building new bunkers by hand is not nearly as quick. In many areas, the LTTE already has a second, or third, line of bunkers built. But not everywhere, and that has made construction equipment a prime air force target. And it's hard to hide the construction site, and the newly turned earth.

Read more,
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20080718.aspx

Israeli boost for SLAF surveillance capability

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has taken delivery of an advanced type of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) from Israel.

Authoritative sources said the acquisition of UAVs would compensate for the loss of equipment in the LTTE raid on the Anuradhapura SLAF base last October.

The recently acquired UAVs have been deployed in the northern theatre with the focus on the 12 kilometre front which runs through Kilali, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil on the Jaffna east coast. Capable of day and night operations, the latest addition would considerably improve the SLAF’s capacity to detect an LTTE build-up against the armed forces deployed in the Jaffna peninsula.

The deployment of UAVs was of critical importance to the ongoing SLAF campaign against LTTE positions in the Vanni, sources said. The SLAF action was two-fold, they said. Operations were being carried out in support of the ground offensive and to destroy conventional capability of the enemy.

The first deployment of UAVs by the SLAF took place in 1996 during Air Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe’s tenure as the Commander. The MI 24 helicopter gunships and Kfirs, a modern multi-role fighter aircraft with a formidable weapons platform, too, were first acquired that year.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/07/16/news2.html

MI-24s raid LTTE gathering point - Vedithalthivu

SLAF Mi-24 helicopter gun-ships raided an LTTE gathering point Tuesday(July 15), located 1km North of Vedithalthivu, Mannar at 3p.m.

The air strikes were launched supporting advancing ground troops at the Mannar front Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said, adding that intensified LTTE activity was reported from the area.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080715_05

Sri Lanka airforce bombs rebel heartland

Sri Lanka's air force has carried out air raids at Tamil Tiger rebel heartland of Mullaithivu, officials said Saturday.

Airforce spokesman Janaka Nanayakkara said the air raids were made on a rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) bunker line 3.5 kms south of Thunnukai in Mullaithivu around 7 a.m. local time (0130 GMT).

The pilots had reported that the air raids have been successful, Nanayakkara added.

The government troops are confident of crushing the LTTE rebels as soon as possible in their on-going military campaign against the rebels.

The LTTE have now been confined to just two districts, Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi in the north, the government claims citing success of their military campaign.

The LTTE rebels are fighting for an independent homeland for the minority Tamils in the north and east provinces. The armed campaign since the 1980s have cost over 70,000 lives.


Extracted from,
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/12/content_8535657.htm

LTTE boat movement targeted

Air Force fighter jets carried out an air raid targeting an LTTE boat movement in the Mullaitivu seas off last morning.

An LTTE boat was destroyed in the air raid causing heavy damage to the outfit, Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

A cluster of LTTE boats was detected 1 km away from the coastal areas off Mullaitivu seas around 8.00 a.m. "Air Force fighters successfully pounded at the LTTE boats movement and destroyed at least one Tiger boat," Wing Commander Nanayakkara said.

The air raid was carried out following accurate and precise information provided by ground intelligence sources and air surveillance.

Meanwhile, LTTE communications revealed that two self-styled LTTE 'majors' were killed in air raids launched on Sunday on a Tiger leaders gathering point.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/10/sec10.asp

Jets pound suspected LTTE base amid fighting

Amid reports of sporadic clashes between the advancing government troops and Tamil Tiger guerrillas, Sri Lanka's air force bombed a suspected rebel training base Tuesday, officials said.

'The air force launched two successive air raids targeting LTTE logistic facility in Paranthan (in the north). The first attack was launched around 10.15 a.m while the other around 1.30 p.m.,' the defence ministry said.

Details of the damages caused were not immediately known.

According to the ministry, two soldiers were killed and another was wounded at Arasadikulam in Vavuniya Tuesday when the troops confronted with a group of cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

'The army foot patrol was along the Arasadikulam-Gandhinagar route when a group of terrorists directed small arms fire killing two soldiers instantly. Soldiers mounted counter attacks at the terrorists forcing the group to flee the area,' the ministry said.

In a separate report, the defence ministry said at least 18 Tamil Tigers and two soldiers were slain and over 30 wounded in sporadic clashes Monday in the Vavuniya, Mannar and Weli-Oya battle theatres.

'The security force personnel engaged in counter terrorist offensive operations are inching further towards LTTE areas, inflicting damages to the enemy,' it said.

Extracted from,
http://www.indiaenews.com/srilanka/20080708/130668.htm

MIG arriving after attacking tiger positions damaged in landing

SLAF MIG fighter jet arriving after a mission to strike tiger positions in Killinochchi has met with an accident when landing.

Though none of the crew was injured a wing of the jet has been slightly damaged.

A meeting place of senior tiger leaders at Wattakachchi area north of Iranamadu Tank was attacked by the Mig at about 3.30 p.m. today and the accident had occurred when the MIG was trying to land on its arrival.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankatruth.com/New/Full_Story_Page/2008/July/06/20080706_03.htm

Key LTTE gathering point raided by SLAF jets- Kilinochchi

SLAF fighter craft launched precision air strikes at a high profile LTTE gathering point in general area Vaddakachchi in the non-liberated Kilinochchi district this evening at 3.30.

According to defence sources, the air raid was taken based on real time ground information received.

Vaddakachchi is located approximately 8km Northeast of the Iranamadu Tank.


Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080706_04