Tiger offensive weakens under SLA barrage
[28Mar 2000]

Defence sources said today that the large-scale terrorist offensive on army positions around Elephant Pass was showing signs of weakening in wake of unrelenting retaliation by security forces.

  Sources said that the failure of the terrorist onslaught to achieve its prime objective of cutting the army’s main supply route (MSR) from Jaffna to Elephant Pass appeared to have undermined the attackers’ morale, and led to a conspicuous reduction in the intensity of their assault.

  Observers in the theatre of operations said that “ferocious” fighting had resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, but that security forces were gradually gaining the upper hand.

  In the sea-borne attack around Elephant Pass that began on Sunday night, the Sri Lankan navy had destroyed two terrorist craft and badly damaged another. 

Security forces also destroyed the tank used by the terrorists in their attack.

  The terrorists have repeatedly failed to take the crucial Elephant Pass base, despite months of concerted attacks.

The official described as “exaggerated” LTTE claims to have destroyed 11 heavy artillery pieces, saying only three artillery pieces were damaged, and that they had been pulled back to Palaly for repairs.

  The army has already begun clearing operations in the area. 

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