by Shamindra Ferdinando

A major naval operation is underway in the north-western and north-eastern waters to thwart LTTE attempts to replenish its depleted arsenal. The operation launched about three months ago involving a range of naval assets, including Fast Attack Craft (FACs) is geared to cut off supplies coming from India and other international supply points.

In a brief interview with The Island, navy spokesman Commander D. K. P. Dassanayake said the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and the recently raised Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) had been deployed on the north-western coast. Their task was to prevent the LTTE from receiving supplies from their agents based in Tamil Nadu, he said. They would also thwart attempts to move wounded LTTE cadres across the Gulf of Mannar to Tamil Nadu, he said.

The LTTE controls the coastline between Nachchikuda and Pooneryn-a distance of 15 nautical miles. The Task Force I advancing on a northerly direction along the Mannar coast is stepping up pressure on Nachchikuda, the last major Sea Tiger stronghold on the north-western coast.

Commander Dassanayake said that the enemy could not penetrate the cordons in place in the Gulf of Mannar and the seas off Mullaitivu. According to him, the naval deployment on the north-eastern waters was geared to prevent the LTTE from bringing in supplies to the area between Nayaru and Nagarkovil-a distance of 44 nautical miles. Responding to our queries, he said that the total sea frontage under LTTE control both in the North and East had been reduced to about 60 miles as a result of combined security forces action spearheaded by the Army since September, 2006.

The operation on the north-eastern coast also involves Offshore Patrol Craft (OPVs). Dassanayake said that the operation would continue as part of the overall strategy to deny urgently needed supplies to the LTTE.

Although the circumstances were different, the ongoing operation on the north-eastern waters is similar to Operation `Waruna Kirana` launched in May 2001 to obstruct LTTE sea supply routes heading towards Chalai and Mullaitivu. The Navy changed this concept in 2006 and launched search and destroy missions on the high seas with stunning results. The destruction of eight merchant ships and eight multi-day fishing trawlers loaded with arms, ammunition and equipment and capture of two multi-day fishing trawlers had crippled the enemy`s overseas supply network, Dassanayake said.

He asserted that due to heavy losses suffered since September 2006 the Sea Tigers had lost their capability to engage in major sea confrontations. He said that the SLAF, too, had caused substantial damage to Sea Tigers, both in terms and men and material.

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ahhh poor Chennaiguuy, now he has no chance of making it.