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NA: Timeline (Terrorist Activities) -2009
Jan
Feb
Mar
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Jun
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Date
Incidents
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January - 1 
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka told Daily News on January 1 that the fall of Kilinochchi is imminent within the next 48 hours as Security Forces have already entered Kilinochchi town from the South, West and North of Kilinochchi. According
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Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka told Daily News on January 1 that the fall of Kilinochchi is imminent within the next 48 hours as Security Forces have already entered Kilinochchi town from the South, West and North of Kilinochchi. According to him: “The Task Force I troops are operating just one kilometre short of Kilinochchi railway station… They have advanced beyond the Iranamadu junction and are fast advancing towards the heart of Kilinochchi. There are signs that the LTTE will flee from Kilinochchi as troops advance towards the heart of Kilinochchi. But troops will have to engage in fierce battles in areas such as Ramanathapuram in the east of Kilinochchi.”
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January - 1 
Kfir jets of the SLAF neutralised two LTTE camps in the west of Kilinochchi and the east of Paranthan at around 8.15am (SLST). The jets shelled another LTTE camp, about 2.5 kilometres east of Kilinochchi, a couple of hours later.
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Kfir jets of the SLAF neutralised two LTTE camps in the west of Kilinochchi and the east of Paranthan at around 8.15am (SLST). The jets shelled another LTTE camp, about 2.5 kilometres east of Kilinochchi, a couple of hours later.
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January - 1 
MI-24 gun ships bombed one more LTTE camp, about 4.5 kilometres northwest of Mulliyavalai in the Mullaitivu District.
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MI-24 gun ships bombed one more LTTE camp, about 4.5 kilometres northwest of Mulliyavalai in the Mullaitivu District.
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January - 1 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants triggered a claymore mine explosion targeting personnel of the Police and Civil Defence Force (CDF) manning a Police post at Weerachcholai under Samanthurai Police Division in the Ampara District
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants triggered a claymore mine explosion targeting personnel of the Police and Civil Defence Force (CDF) manning a Police post at Weerachcholai under Samanthurai Police Division in the Ampara District on January 1, according to Colombo Page. One Police Constable and a CDF member were killed in the blast.
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January - 1 
The troops captured Iranamadu junction, about six kilometres south of Kilinochchi town centre opening route to the Iranamadu town, reports Sri Lanka Army.
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The troops captured Iranamadu junction, about six kilometres south of Kilinochchi town centre opening route to the Iranamadu town, reports Sri Lanka Army.
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January - 1 
Troops advancing towards Kilinochchi captured the key Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) garrison of Paranthan in the morning of January 1 following hours of fighting that killed over 50 militants, according to Colombo Page. Defence authorities
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Troops advancing towards Kilinochchi captured the key Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) garrison of Paranthan in the morning of January 1 following hours of fighting that killed over 50 militants, according to Colombo Page. Defence authorities said the battle for Paranthan began two days ago when the troop’s armour, artillery and infantry battalions launched a concerted assault on the militants holed up in the strategic town. Troops, supported by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), entered Paranthan in the morning of December 31 and reportedly encountered stiff resistance from the LTTE. Troops have also cut-off the vital access routes towards Paranthan along the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) road from North and South, the military said. Troops are now consolidating defences and advancing further east of the Paranthan junction, security sources said. Defence sources said capture of Paranthan would open up access routes to the remaining LTTE defences at Vaddakkachchi and Puthukkudiyiruppu areas on the Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) road and isolating another LTTE stronghold of Elephant Pass located between the Jaffna peninsula and Kilinochchi.
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January - 2 
A Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber blew himself up killing three persons, including two Airmen, and injuring 37 others at the entrance to the Air Force camp in Slave Island in Colombo at around 5.15pm (SLST) on January 2, report
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A Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber blew himself up killing three persons, including two Airmen, and injuring 37 others at the entrance to the Air Force camp in Slave Island in Colombo at around 5.15pm (SLST) on January 2, reports Daily News. An accomplice of the suicide bomber has been arrested. Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said, “It was a rush hour and the road was blocked due to the traffic congestion, when the LTTE suicide cadre was dropped by his accomplice on a motorcycle. The suicide bomber crossed the road and approached the Air Force camp entrance.” A passenger bus plying from Moratuwa to Pettah was also caught up in the explosion and was damaged. Several passengers onboard the bus are reported to have sustained injuries.
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January - 2 
Acknowledging the loss, the pro-LTTE TamilNet website in a report said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) “has entered a virtual ghost town as the whole civilian infrastructure as well as the centre of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had shifted furt
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Acknowledging the loss, the pro-LTTE TamilNet website in a report said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) “has entered a virtual ghost town as the whole civilian infrastructure as well as the centre of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had shifted further northeast.” TamilNet claimed that the LTTE, who had put up heavy resistance, kept their casualties low in the defensive fighting, according to The Hindu. "It is the first time after a decade the Sri Lankan forces have been able to take control of the town after several months of fierce fighting that has claimed hundreds of combatants on both sides of the war," Tamil Net reported.
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January - 2 
In a special address to the nation on state television hours after the troops captured Kilinochchi, President Mahinda Rajapaksa described the action as a “major victory in the world’s battle against terrorism.” He reiterated the resolve of his Govern
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In a special address to the nation on state television hours after the troops captured Kilinochchi, President Mahinda Rajapaksa described the action as a “major victory in the world’s battle against terrorism.” He reiterated the resolve of his Government to continue the fight till the LTTE was “fully and finally defeated,” and asserted it was “the final message to the LTTE, to lay down their arms and surrender.” Stating that the capture of Kilinochchi should not be viewed as the victory of one community or region over the other, Rajapaksa maintained that it was a dream of all Sri Lankans who are opposed to separatism, racism and terrorism and strived for peace, freedom and democracy. He said his Government would continue the fight against the LTTE until the “final act of this false Eelam struggle is played to its finish” in the small territory of jungle in Mullaithivu it is confined to today. The LTTE took control of Kilinochchi in 1990 when the SLA withdrew its garrisons after the departure of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. The SLA gained control of the town following operations Sathjaya I, II, and III in September 1996. The town was again captured by the LTTE in September 1998, and ever since it has been designated as the LTTE’s “administrative and political headquarters.”
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January - 2 
On January 2, the Sri Lanka Army captured Kilinochchi, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) political and administrative headquarters, reports Sri Lanka Army. The troops are reported to have launched simultaneous attacks from three direction
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On January 2, the Sri Lanka Army captured Kilinochchi, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) political and administrative headquarters, reports Sri Lanka Army. The troops are reported to have launched simultaneous attacks from three directions in Paranthan, Iranamadu and Adampan before capturing the town in the early hours of January 2. Kilinochchi town, which lies about 334 kilometres (255 miles) north of capital Colombo, remained the LTTE’s most strategic logistic base, from which almost all the decisions were made upon by the exclusive command of the outfit’s leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran and his top-rung leadership. The LTTE kangaroo courts, ‘Police’ Headquarters, ‘Eelam’ banks, luxurious LTTE peace secretariat complex, all operated from Kilinochchi, their de-facto capital of ‘Eelam’ lying on the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) main supply route. The Defence Ministry in a statement said troops of 57 Division entered the highly defended stronghold from the southern and south-western boundaries while Task Force 1 troops marched in from the north and the northwest, The Hindu reported. The Army had taken the Jaffna-Kandy A-9 highway on the Omanthai-Paranthan stretch. The military had crossed into Kilinochchi District on August 4 and has since been engaged in clashes with the LTTE.
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January - 2 
Speaking at a special function in Colombo to announce the military success in Kilinochchi, Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka, over 1500 LTTE militants were killed during the past two months in the north, reported Colombo Page. He said there a
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Speaking at a special function in Colombo to announce the military success in Kilinochchi, Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka, over 1500 LTTE militants were killed during the past two months in the north, reported Colombo Page. He said there are small numbers of LTTE cadres in Wanni and the Security Forces could neutralise them in the near future. Meanwhile, the defence ministry said, "There is no option available for the LTTE rebels other than to flee towards the jungle patches in Puthukuduiruppu and Vishvamadu in the East of Iranamadu tank as troops aggressively advanced towards the heart of Kilinochchi in all fronts," reports Times of India.
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January - 2 
The troops advancing in Mullaitivu area attacked LTTE militants in the Taniynttu, north of Pulamurippu and Mulliyavalai areas and caused heavy damages to the militants. Troops also expanded their Forward Defence Line (FDL) further in the Taniyanttu a
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The troops advancing in Mullaitivu area attacked LTTE militants in the Taniynttu, north of Pulamurippu and Mulliyavalai areas and caused heavy damages to the militants. Troops also expanded their Forward Defence Line (FDL) further in the Taniyanttu area.
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January - 2 
Troops deployed north of Meegasgodalla in the Trincomalee District attacked a group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants on January 1 and subsequently recovered forty-three detonator codes, one LTTE uniform and some food items from th
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Troops deployed north of Meegasgodalla in the Trincomalee District attacked a group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants on January 1 and subsequently recovered forty-three detonator codes, one LTTE uniform and some food items from the incident site, Sri Lanka Army reports.
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January - 2 
Troops of 57 Division and Task Force-I continued their advance further into the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stronghold and confronted militants on several occasions in the Iranamadu, Kachchilamadu and Paranthan areas of Kilinochchi Distri
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Troops of 57 Division and Task Force-I continued their advance further into the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stronghold and confronted militants on several occasions in the Iranamadu, Kachchilamadu and Paranthan areas of Kilinochchi District on January 2 and killed unspecified number of militants while wounding several others, reports Sri Lanka Army. Few soldiers also sustained injuries during these confrontations.
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January - 3 
A minor explosion occurred inside a van number HD-8194 near the Red Mosque in the Petta area of Colombo at around 4.55pm (SLST) on January 3, wounding three civilians and damaging two vehicles and a shop nearby, reports Sri Lanka Army. According to t
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A minor explosion occurred inside a van number HD-8194 near the Red Mosque in the Petta area of Colombo at around 4.55pm (SLST) on January 3, wounding three civilians and damaging two vehicles and a shop nearby, reports Sri Lanka Army. According to the report, suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants had placed a small improvised explosive device inside the van.
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January - 3 
Advancing troops of 53 and 55 Divisions confronted LTTE militants in the Muhamalai and Kilaly areas of Jaffna District inflicting unspecified damages to the militants. A few soldiers also sustained injuries in LTTE-carried improvised explosive device
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Advancing troops of 53 and 55 Divisions confronted LTTE militants in the Muhamalai and Kilaly areas of Jaffna District inflicting unspecified damages to the militants. A few soldiers also sustained injuries in LTTE-carried improvised explosive devices and anti personnel mines explosions.
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January - 3 
Matale Police recovered three claymore mines, two T-56 weapons and two-hundred rounds of ammunition hidden in the Ratwatta Watta estate.
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Matale Police recovered three claymore mines, two T-56 weapons and two-hundred rounds of ammunition hidden in the Ratwatta Watta estate.
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January - 3 
On January 3, troops advancing towards Mullaitivu confronted LTTE militants in the Thanniutthu, Thottam, Kachchilamadu, north of Mudaliyankulam and Kumulamunai areas and inflicted an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants. Troops also ex
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On January 3, troops advancing towards Mullaitivu confronted LTTE militants in the Thanniutthu, Thottam, Kachchilamadu, north of Mudaliyankulam and Kumulamunai areas and inflicted an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants. Troops also expanded their FDL (Forward Defence Line) further in the Kumulamunai area and recovered the dead body of a militant from the area.
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January - 4 
According to Sri Lanka Army reports, the fighter jets and MI-24 fighter helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) conducted five air attacks on LTTE camps in support of advancing ground troops. The first three attacks were conducted by the MI-24
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According to Sri Lanka Army reports, the fighter jets and MI-24 fighter helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) conducted five air attacks on LTTE camps in support of advancing ground troops. The first three attacks were conducted by the MI-24 fighter helicopters - one was at around 6.30am (SLST) on a LTTE camp, six kilometres northeast of Oddusudan, next was at around 1.20 pm on another LTTE camp about two kilometres north of Elephant Pass and the third attack was at around 2.45pm on a LTTE camp about four kilometres northeast of Kilinochchi town. Two more attacks were conducted by fighter jets at around 5.00pm on two LTTE camps in Elephant Pass and east of Paranthan simultaneously.
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January - 4 
At least 68 civilians, including 21 children, were killed and 126 others sustained injuries as the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) continued artillery shelling inside the 'Safety Zone' on March 4, claimed the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website
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At least 68 civilians, including 21 children, were killed and 126 others sustained injuries as the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) continued artillery shelling inside the 'Safety Zone' on March 4, claimed the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. An International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) member was reportedly among the victims. While 23 civilians were killed during artillery attack between 5:30 (SLST) to 9:00 am, 47 others died in the artillery attack between 5:00 and 9:00 pm. Maaththalan, Pokkani and Iranaippaalai were reportedly the areas which came under military attack.
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January - 4 
MI-24 helicopter gun ships of the Sri Lanka Air Force foiled the LTTE attempt to create another earth bund using their heavy earth moving equipment on January 4 by launching artillery attack towards the area.
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MI-24 helicopter gun ships of the Sri Lanka Air Force foiled the LTTE attempt to create another earth bund using their heavy earth moving equipment on January 4 by launching artillery attack towards the area.
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January - 4 
Naval troops operating in the Kalladi area recovered eight T-56 weapons, three GPS, one I-com set, eight I-com hand held pouches, two DVD players, one video camera and two cameras.
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Naval troops operating in the Kalladi area recovered eight T-56 weapons, three GPS, one I-com set, eight I-com hand held pouches, two DVD players, one video camera and two cameras.
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January - 4 
Police recovered a claymore mine weighing about one kilogram from the Thatrimale area.
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Police recovered a claymore mine weighing about one kilogram from the Thatrimale area.
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January - 4 
President Mahinda Rajapakse expressed satisfaction that his ‘Zero Civilian Casualty Policy’ was implemented perfectly by the Armed Forces during the operations to liberate Kilinochchi during his telephonic with The Hindu in the evening of January 4.
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President Mahinda Rajapakse expressed satisfaction that his ‘Zero Civilian Casualty Policy’ was implemented perfectly by the Armed Forces during the operations to liberate Kilinochchi during his telephonic with The Hindu in the evening of January 4. He also expressed concern over the LTTE not releasing the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians it holds “virtually as prisoners.” He also warned the organisation that it would face a ban if it continued to deny Tamil civilians, their freedom and human rights. It is understood that the ban could come within a week. President Rajapakse said some of the LTTE cadres were surrendering to the Armed Forces. His Government was aware that there was a possibility of some suicide bombers trying to come out as refugees. The Government was doing its best to apprehend and neutralise the LTTE’s suicide bombers, possibly 15 to 20 of them, who are believed to have infiltrated into Colombo and its environs.
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January - 4 
Security Forces (SFs) attached to Task Force IV operating in the East of the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) road captured the key junction town Oddusudan on the Mankulam-Mullaitivu (A-34) road taking full control of the Oddusudan- Nedunkerni-Puliyankulam road, M
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Security Forces (SFs) attached to Task Force IV operating in the East of the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) road captured the key junction town Oddusudan on the Mankulam-Mullaitivu (A-34) road taking full control of the Oddusudan- Nedunkerni-Puliyankulam road, Military sources told Daily News. Oddusudan on the A-34 road links Mullaitivu to the East, Puthukuduiruppu to the North, Mankulam to the West and Nedunkerni and Puliyankulam to the South and South West. Heavy fighting erupted on January 4 as troops attached to the 642 Brigade entered the town. “Security Forces killed at least 10 Tiger cadres as they attacked a tractor transporting Tiger cadres and several other vehicles,” a military official said. “Troops are in the process of conducting search and clear operations in the area to further consolidate their positions in this junction town after entering the town by yesterday evening,” the official added.
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January - 4 
SFs are reportedly poised to capture the strategic Elephant Pass, which connects the Jaffna peninsula to the mainland. Troops belonging to the 58 Division are reportedly only two and half kilometres short of their target by January 4-afternoon, milit
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SFs are reportedly poised to capture the strategic Elephant Pass, which connects the Jaffna peninsula to the mainland. Troops belonging to the 58 Division are reportedly only two and half kilometres short of their target by January 4-afternoon, military sources told Daily News. “Elephant Pass will fall very soon further sandwiching the LTTE cadres operating in the Jaffna front. It will be only a matter of hours and days,” an unnamed senior military official said. According to military sources, the LTTE leadership is in total disarray and shifting their vital assets from the Jaffna front towards Mullaitivu along the Champianpattu-Mullaitivu road on the coastal belt with the fall of Paranthan. “The LTTE should either vacate the area or should have to face a do or die battle in the Jaffna front if they are to defend that territory. But possibilities are very remote for them to hold this ground further,” the official said. To take full control of the A-9 road, the SFs have to capture only a 10 kilometres terrain from Elephant Pass to Muhamalai. “That will be an easy task once 53 Division and 55 Division advance to the South,” the official added. Presently troops are only four kilometres away from the centre of Mullaitivu. “The 59 Division under the command of Brigadier Nandana Udawatta is advancing towards Mullaitivu from the beach- lagoon front and from the West of Mullaitivu. Troops have taken control of the one kilometre stretch of the Tiger earth bund constructed on the beach front by Sunday and are poised to further advance towards Mullaitivu,” the official added further.
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January - 4 
The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website Tamil Net claimed that at least 53 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and more than 80 sustained injuries during heavy fighting that erupted on January 4 when the SLA launched an offensiv
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The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website Tamil Net claimed that at least 53 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and more than 80 sustained injuries during heavy fighting that erupted on January 4 when the SLA launched an offensive push through 2nd Mile Post on the Paranthan-Mullaitivu Road on two fronts.
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January - 4 
The troops attacked LTTE militants in the areas east of Kilinochchi, Murusumudai and east of Paranthan in the Kilinochchi District and caused heavy damages upon the militants.
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The troops attacked LTTE militants in the areas east of Kilinochchi, Murusumudai and east of Paranthan in the Kilinochchi District and caused heavy damages upon the militants.
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January - 4 
Troops recovered the dead bodies of seven militants along with a cache of arms and ammunition, from the Puthukudirippu junction and surrounding areas, according to Sri Lanka Army reports.
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Troops recovered the dead bodies of seven militants along with a cache of arms and ammunition, from the Puthukudirippu junction and surrounding areas, according to Sri Lanka Army reports.
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January - 5 
Security Forces on January 5 reached Elephant Pass with the 58 Division troops capturing the entire southern part of it and further advancing towards the North to capture it the entirely, Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka said, according to
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Security Forces on January 5 reached Elephant Pass with the 58 Division troops capturing the entire southern part of it and further advancing towards the North to capture it the entirely, Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka said, according to Daily News. The troops captured Thamilamadam, the causeway to the south of the Elephant Pass, adds Sri Lanka Army (SLA). “They are in the process of advancing further north to take full control of the Elephant Pass area soon,” a senior military official told Daily News, adding, “With the capture of Elephant Pass South the troops are now in control of the entire Jaffna lagoon. They are in full control of the lagoon front from Pooneryn to Paranthan and Paranthan to Elephant Pass on the A-9 road. They have been left with only the coastal road from Cheminpiyanpattu to Mullaitivu which gets flooded most of the time.” Heavy fighting erupted in the East of Paranthan and Elephant Pass South for the past two days as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) made their maximum effort to stop the advance of the troops towards Elephant Pass and Murusamudai, East of Paranthan. According to military sources, 10 soldiers were killed and 23 others injured in the fierce battle in Elephant Pass and Murusamudai areas.
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January - 5 
Sri Lankan Navy had expand its coast guard security to the maximum point within the country's territorial waters drawing attention to prevent any possible LTTE infiltration as well as to block the LTTE fleeing from the North, reports Daily News. Navy
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Sri Lankan Navy had expand its coast guard security to the maximum point within the country's territorial waters drawing attention to prevent any possible LTTE infiltration as well as to block the LTTE fleeing from the North, reports Daily News. Navy spokesman Commander D.P.K. Dassanayake said, "Naval patrols and coast guards have placed barriers on the territorial waters, enhanced security and vigilance to tackle the LTTE and outside infiltration in our territorial waters. Special attention was paid after the Kilinochchi liberation and therefore, the LTTE has the choice of either dying in the jungle or fleeing from the sea route." He asserted that the coastal belts were extended in three lines to strengthen the security in the North and the East. The "closer land line, Middle line and Outer barrier lines were established to strengthen surveillance in the coastal area", he added. Commander Dassanayake stressed that the Navy is fully prepared to face any eventuality. "In a routine procedure, we check arriving civilians from the un-cleared areas to the Government controlled areas", three times, he further added. According to the Sri Lankan mission in Chennai (India), the Tamil Nadu (southern Indian State) Navy and coast guard had intensified monitoring missions in the Southern sea. "There is "talk" among people in Chennai of the LTTE fleeing to Tamil Nadu. The Chennai police, however denied any LTTE infiltration in to Tamil Nadu", sources said. Meanwhile, several media have reported that security agencies on the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu and marine agencies in Kerala have intensified their vigil and surveillance following the fall of Kilinochchi, observing that fleeing LTTE cadres might try to take shelter in the area.
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January - 5 
The naval troops observed and attacked a group of LTTE militants near the Periya Karachchi lagoon in the Kambuirupitiya area of Kuchchuveli. The troops later recovered the dead body of one militant along with one hand grenade, reports SLA.
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The naval troops observed and attacked a group of LTTE militants near the Periya Karachchi lagoon in the Kambuirupitiya area of Kuchchuveli. The troops later recovered the dead body of one militant along with one hand grenade, reports SLA.
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January - 6 
Colombo Page reports that 16 civilians, comprising five males, six women, three boys and two girls, escaped from the LTTE-controlled areas in Wanni and reached the Omanthai entry/exit point seeking protection from the SFs. A day earlier, 27 civilians
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Colombo Page reports that 16 civilians, comprising five males, six women, three boys and two girls, escaped from the LTTE-controlled areas in Wanni and reached the Omanthai entry/exit point seeking protection from the SFs. A day earlier, 27 civilians, including 11 males, four women, six boys and six girls, from 14 families had reached the checkpoint and sought protection. Brigadier Nanayakkara said on January 7 that 141 civilians have reported to Government control areas from un-cleared areas (areas not under Government control) since the beginning of 2009. He also revealed that these civilians have stated that the LTTE is now short of manpower and are forcibly recruiting civilians above the age of 17 and continuing to hold the civilians as a human shield.
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January - 6 
In Colombo, the Police said more than 29,000 people from the northern, eastern and the central provinces — living in the western province for employment and business activities — registered themselves under a programme initiated by the Civil Communit
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In Colombo, the Police said more than 29,000 people from the northern, eastern and the central provinces — living in the western province for employment and business activities — registered themselves under a programme initiated by the Civil Community Police, reported The Hindu. Police spokesperson Ranjith Gunasekara said 100 men from the north and east who failed to establish their identities were detained for questioning. This is the second head count by the Police of people from the north and east living in and around Colombo on the ground that it is necessary to ensure security of the civilian population.
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January - 6 
Major General N.A.J.C. Dias, General Officer Commanding of the 57th Division, told reporters, "as per our estimates as many as 4073 LTTE fighters have been killed in the past 14 months, while the LTTE intercepts admit they have lost 3447 cadres with
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Major General N.A.J.C. Dias, General Officer Commanding of the 57th Division, told reporters, "as per our estimates as many as 4073 LTTE fighters have been killed in the past 14 months, while the LTTE intercepts admit they have lost 3447 cadres with injuries to another 2197 of their fighters", reports Rediff.com.
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January - 6 
Member of Parliament and leader of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Koddani (TMVK), Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias Karuna Amman, said Prabhakaran cannot win the battle in the North. Speaking in the Parliament, he said the LTTE chief is now runnin
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Member of Parliament and leader of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Koddani (TMVK), Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias Karuna Amman, said Prabhakaran cannot win the battle in the North. Speaking in the Parliament, he said the LTTE chief is now running everywhere as they have lost strength to face the heavy attacks of Government forces. He added that the LTTE has less than 1,500 cadres presently. The LTTE leader has tried to recruit 5000 new cadres, but he managed to recruit only 150 members in the past few months, Karuna claimed.
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January - 6 
On January 6, troops advancing towards Mullaitivu attacked LTTE camps in Murasumoddai, the Elephant Pass, Iranamadu, Mulliyaweli, Keppapularu, northeast of Mankulam, east of Ampakamam and Kachchilamadu areas in the Mullaitivu District inflicting heav
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On January 6, troops advancing towards Mullaitivu attacked LTTE camps in Murasumoddai, the Elephant Pass, Iranamadu, Mulliyaweli, Keppapularu, northeast of Mankulam, east of Ampakamam and Kachchilamadu areas in the Mullaitivu District inflicting heavy damages to the outfit. Troops later recovered the dead body of one militant along with one gas canister, one General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition link, two Multi Purpose Machine Gun ammunition links, one T-56 weapon, two Improvised Explosive Devices.
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January - 6 
Task Force-III troops operating in the East of Olumaduwai and Task Force-IV troops operating in the Oddusudan area took control of the Mankulam-Oddusudan (A-34) road. “The Task Force IV is now advancing towards the East of Oddusudan towards Mulliyava
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Task Force-III troops operating in the East of Olumaduwai and Task Force-IV troops operating in the Oddusudan area took control of the Mankulam-Oddusudan (A-34) road. “The Task Force IV is now advancing towards the East of Oddusudan towards Mulliyavalai and Thanniuttu in the west of Mullaitivu to take the full control of the A-34 road from Mankulam to Thanniuttu”, Brigadier Nanayakkara stated. The 59 Division troops have also made a major breakthrough in their march towards Mullaitivu in the west and northwest of Mullaitivu capturing a number of LTTE defence lines, he added. According to him, “The 59 Division troops are operating in the western edges of the Nanthikadal lagoon.”
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January - 6 
The Government on January 6 declared in Parliament that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has links with al Qaeda and used their ‘freedom struggle’ to dabble in the narcotics trade, according to South Asian Media Net. Speaking during the ex
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The Government on January 6 declared in Parliament that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has links with al Qaeda and used their ‘freedom struggle’ to dabble in the narcotics trade, according to South Asian Media Net. Speaking during the extension of the emergency debate, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran’s drug ring is being investigated by India. Citing a south Indian magazine report, he said a group of LTTE leaders had visited Kabul to purchase weapons. He said the report further highlighted that the LTTE was involved in smuggling drugs into Sri Lanka through Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
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January - 6 
The Parliament voted to extend the Emergency Law for another month with a majority of 106 votes on January 6, Colombo Page reports.
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The Parliament voted to extend the Emergency Law for another month with a majority of 106 votes on January 6, Colombo Page reports.
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January - 6 
Troops from the 53 and 55 Divisions, continuing their advance towards Pallai town, from Kilali and Muhamalai, intercepted fleeing LTTE militants on the way and inflicted heavy casualties upon the outfit. A few soldiers also sustained injuries in LTTE
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Troops from the 53 and 55 Divisions, continuing their advance towards Pallai town, from Kilali and Muhamalai, intercepted fleeing LTTE militants on the way and inflicted heavy casualties upon the outfit. A few soldiers also sustained injuries in LTTE mortar fire and anti-personnel mine (APM) explosions. Troops also recovered one T-56 weapon and one radio communication set from the incident site.
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January - 6 
Troops of the 53rd and 55th Divisions operating on the Jaffna front captured the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) FDLs (Forward Defence Lines) in Kilali and Muhamalai, some 600 metres ahead of the Security Force’s FDLs on January 6, Military
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Troops of the 53rd and 55th Divisions operating on the Jaffna front captured the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) FDLs (Forward Defence Lines) in Kilali and Muhamalai, some 600 metres ahead of the Security Force’s FDLs on January 6, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, according to Daily News. “There was less resistance from the LTTE compared to earlier occasions and they are in the verge of withdrawing from the area as troops captured Tiger defences”, the spokesman added. According to Brigadier Nanayakkara, the troops in the Muhamalai front could advance some 20 kilometres to the south along the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) Road to link up with the 58th Division troops operating in the south of Elephant Pass. The 58th Division was in reportedly consolidating their positions in the south of Elephant Pass as of January 6 after they captured the area a day earlier. Another military official told Daily News, “troops are advancing towards the LTTE’s third line located in Palali area which is a kilometre away from the present position.” LTTE militants operating in Jaffna are reportedly entrapped between two fronts, Muhamalai from the North and Elephant Pass in the south, and have links with the southern part only through the road leading through the Eastern coast of Jaffna peninsula. According to military sources, the LTTE had shifted many of their military assets in Jaffna. “The LTTE artillery threat to the advancing troops have reduced drastically by yesterday’s operation and they are resisting the advancing troops with their mortars”, military officials added.
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January - 6 
US Embassy in a press statement issued on January 6 on the liberation of Kilinochchi said that the US does not advocate that the Government of Sri Lanka negotiate with the LTTE, a group designated by the US since 1997 as a foreign terrorist organizat
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US Embassy in a press statement issued on January 6 on the liberation of Kilinochchi said that the US does not advocate that the Government of Sri Lanka negotiate with the LTTE, a group designated by the US since 1997 as a foreign terrorist organization. The statement said, however, the US believes that a broad range of other Tamil voices and opinions must be brought into a political process to reach a political solution that Tamils inside and outside Sri Lanka see as legitimate. This will help assure Tamils that their rights are protected, it said.
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January - 6 
While indicating that Kilinochchi was where the Sri Lanka military has suffered previous historic debacles, the political wing leader of the LTTE, Balasingham Nadesan, in an interview with the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net on January 5 dismissed the oc
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While indicating that Kilinochchi was where the Sri Lanka military has suffered previous historic debacles, the political wing leader of the LTTE, Balasingham Nadesan, in an interview with the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net on January 5 dismissed the occupation of the town as an insignificant setback in the context of a liberation struggle, and said, Tamil people’s support has always been LTTE’s strength, and with the moral backing of the global Tamil community the movement will surmount current and future challenges. He said: "We have taken forward our struggle for more than 30 years, solely relying on the support of our people," and reiterated that the Tigers were spearheading the Tamil struggle, which was based on legitimate political aspirations as defined by the democratic mandate in the elections of 1977.”
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January - 7 
A few clashes between civilians and the LTTE militants were also reported. In one such incident, a group of 35 civilians from Ananda-Puliyankulam area were assaulted by a LTTE-led mob near the Sambankulama junction in December 2008, a civilian said.
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A few clashes between civilians and the LTTE militants were also reported. In one such incident, a group of 35 civilians from Ananda-Puliyankulam area were assaulted by a LTTE-led mob near the Sambankulama junction in December 2008, a civilian said. The militants had assaulted the people, including women and the elderly, killing two people and dragging away the rest whose fate is yet to be known, sources said citing the civilians.
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January - 7 
A minor blast occurred along the railway track at Mount Lavinia, a Colombo suburb, in the evening of January 7, Colombo Page reported. Police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekara said the blast damaged the rail track slightly but no injuries were reported.
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A minor blast occurred along the railway track at Mount Lavinia, a Colombo suburb, in the evening of January 7, Colombo Page reported. Police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekara said the blast damaged the rail track slightly but no injuries were reported.
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January - 7 
Another group of 140 civilians - 66 men, 43 women, 20 boys and 11 girls – of 55 families displaced due to LTTE activities in the outfit-held areas of Mullaitivu, Maruthamadu, Ramanathapuram, Wattakachchi, Jayanthinagar, Uryani and Thiriweiaru reached
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Another group of 140 civilians - 66 men, 43 women, 20 boys and 11 girls – of 55 families displaced due to LTTE activities in the outfit-held areas of Mullaitivu, Maruthamadu, Ramanathapuram, Wattakachchi, Jayanthinagar, Uryani and Thiriweiaru reached Omanthai in the afternoon of January 7, SLA reports.
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January - 7 
Defence.lk reports that the LTTE has threatened civilians in the areas still held by it with death as traitors if any attempt made to flee. To prove they are serious of this threat they have displayed bodies of three civilians near the Ponnambalam ho
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Defence.lk reports that the LTTE has threatened civilians in the areas still held by it with death as traitors if any attempt made to flee. To prove they are serious of this threat they have displayed bodies of three civilians near the Ponnambalam hospital. The bodies were hanged on posts that had banners stating "Fate of traitors', according to civilians, who have managed to escape and are now in Internally Displace Persons welfare centres at Vavuniya and Welioya. These civilians were killed by the LTTE death squads, and dragged in public a long way before being mutilated and displayed, the sources said.
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January - 7 
Fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) neutralised a group of LTTE militants, running a way from Palali and Elephant Pass battlefields, in the Chundikulam lagoon area, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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Fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) neutralised a group of LTTE militants, running a way from Palali and Elephant Pass battlefields, in the Chundikulam lagoon area, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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January - 7 
Murasumoddai town, on the Paranthan–Mullaitivu (A-35) road and about 5.5 kilometres to the east of Paranthan town, was captured by troops of the 58th Division. An unspecified number of militants were killed during clashes that erupted in the area sin
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Murasumoddai town, on the Paranthan–Mullaitivu (A-35) road and about 5.5 kilometres to the east of Paranthan town, was captured by troops of the 58th Division. An unspecified number of militants were killed during clashes that erupted in the area since the evening of January 7.
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January - 7 
Sri Lanka Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka said any kind of a war victory to the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in future is a daydream, reports Colombo Page. According to the Army Chief, nearly 15,000 LTTE militants were killed by the Se
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Sri Lanka Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka said any kind of a war victory to the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in future is a daydream, reports Colombo Page. According to the Army Chief, nearly 15,000 LTTE militants were killed by the Security Forces (SFs) during the last two and half years. In the same period nearly 2,000 SF personnel were also killed, Lt. General Sarath Fonseka pointed out. He said that the LTTE had managed to strengthen their cadres as well as the military equipment during the cease-fire from 2002 until its abrogation in 2007. He added the number of LTTE militants increased to 15,000 as a result of the truce. The militants only possessed two artillery guns captured from the Army before the cease-fire, but Machine guns, Dvora-like fast boats and three fixed wing airplanes were added to their strength during the cease-fire, he added, according to Daily Mirror. They established banks, courts, police and customs to generate income, the Army Commander further said.
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January - 7 
The Government said on January 7 that the Cabinet had taken a unanimous decision, in accordance with a memorandum submitted by President Mahinda Rajapakse, to proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which continued to engage in blatant
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The Government said on January 7 that the Cabinet had taken a unanimous decision, in accordance with a memorandum submitted by President Mahinda Rajapakse, to proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which continued to engage in blatant human rights violations, according to Daily News. The Proclamation of the President proscribing the LTTE under Chapter 40 of the Public Security Ordinance gave several reasons for the proscription. They included inter alia committing acts of terrorism and other forms of violence, with the aim of establishing a separate state of Tamil Eelam in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka, engaging in armed conflict with the Security Forces and the Police, assassination of persons of high political office, members of the security forces and the Police and civilians, causing death and destruction to lives and property, threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic, failure to eschew violence, lay down arms and, surrender and participate in the democratic process, keeping civilians in the North and East as hostages and using them as human shields, preventing humanitarian relief reaching the population, illegal procurement and smuggling of arms, using child soldiers, and adversely affecting international and regional peace. At a media briefing attended by several Cabinet Ministers, Minister Maithripala Sirisena noted that the Cabinet had taken the decision as repeated requests to the aforesaid organization to eschew terrorism and participate in the democratic process had failed. The Minister said the LTTE continued to recruit children and women against their will, and also kept denying free movement to civilians using them as a human shield, leaving no option for the Government but to go for a ban. He further said that the proscription did not mean that the Government had closed the door for negotiations, but would engage in dialogue if the LTTE comes to the table after laying down weapons. Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said it would provide effective support by laws coming into effect where any organization or individual convicted of helping the banned LTTE could face up to 20 years of imprisonment, adds Daily News. At the same media briefing, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe urged the LTTE to release trapped civilians in Wanni. He also said the Government would continue to provide all possible assistance to civilians who are been forcibly kept by the LTTE. The LTTE was first banned in 1998, after it bombed the Dalada Maligawa. The ban was lifted in September 2002, ahead of the peace talks following the Cease-fire Agreement.
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January - 7 
The Sri Lankan military on January 7 claimed to have captured Murasumoddai town on the way to Mullaitivu amid stiff resistance from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, reports The Hindu. A statement from the Defence Ministry said,
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The Sri Lankan military on January 7 claimed to have captured Murasumoddai town on the way to Mullaitivu amid stiff resistance from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, reports The Hindu. A statement from the Defence Ministry said, “gaining control over the Murasumoddai junction, located along the Paranthan-Mullaitivu main road, 5 km east of Paranthan, would be strategically vital for the troops as it creates new escaping routes for the Tamil civilians under LTTE hold.” The Ministry said that the Murasumoddai junction had direct access routes to Kilinochchi, Vaddakkachchi and Uriyan. Many civilians from Murasumoddai and its surrounding areas had reached the Security Forces “escaping LTTE’s grip,” it added.
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January - 7 
Troops advancing both from the north and south of Elephant Pass have trapped the LTTE militants on the thin strip of land connecting the mainland to Jaffna peninsula inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants, the military said, according to Colo
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Troops advancing both from the north and south of Elephant Pass have trapped the LTTE militants on the thin strip of land connecting the mainland to Jaffna peninsula inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants, the military said, according to Colombo Page. Troops of the 53 and 55 Divisions amid heavy LTTE gunfire advanced about two kilometers further south from the LTTE frontline, which was captured on January 6, closer to the strategic Palali town centre, about 5.5 kilometers south of Muhamalai, on January 7, defence reports said. Defence Ministry said troops destroyed several key LTTE command centres, including the Kilaly’s ECHO-9 Base, Muhamalai area command bases GOLF-7, ECHO-3 and DELTA-2 and set ablaze a huge LTTE ammunition dump. A large cache of weapons and LTTE armaments kept hidden and sealed inside concrete-made underground hideouts were also recovered by the troops, the Ministry added. Reports said that the LTTE have used the Palali area and recently captured Pooneryn to position heavy guns to repeatedly attack targets in Jaffna.
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January - 7 
Troops attached to 59th Division are also poised to capture the LTTE air strip in Mulliyavalai in the west of Mullaitivu as they advanced further northwards from Mulliyavalai town, reports Daily News. The troops also captured the famous Vatrapalai Am
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Troops attached to 59th Division are also poised to capture the LTTE air strip in Mulliyavalai in the west of Mullaitivu as they advanced further northwards from Mulliyavalai town, reports Daily News. The troops also captured the famous Vatrapalai Amman Kovil (temple) in the West of Nathikadal lagoon by January 7.
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January - 7 
Troops of Army’s 57 Division attacked the militants trapped in the area killing unspecified number of militants. A few soldiers also were injured in these clashes, the Army said. The militants are now confined into an area of 600 square kilometers, t
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Troops of Army’s 57 Division attacked the militants trapped in the area killing unspecified number of militants. A few soldiers also were injured in these clashes, the Army said. The militants are now confined into an area of 600 square kilometers, the military said.
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January - 7 
Troops operating in Mannar recovered 18 APMs in the Pulliyartikattakulam area.
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Troops operating in Mannar recovered 18 APMs in the Pulliyartikattakulam area.
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January - 8 
Colombo Page reports that all welfare centres in Vavuniya and its suburbs have been designated as High Security Zones (HSZ) with immediate effect. The Government has taken this decision in order to strengthen the security of those who are escaping fr
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Colombo Page reports that all welfare centres in Vavuniya and its suburbs have been designated as High Security Zones (HSZ) with immediate effect. The Government has taken this decision in order to strengthen the security of those who are escaping from the LTTE-held areas. Welfare centres in Poonthottam, Sittambarampuram, Nallikulam, Settikulam and Manik farm has been named as HSZs. Over 750 families who had escaped from Kilinochchi, Nedunkerni, Oddusudan, and the suburbs during the past few months are living in the welfare centres in the area.
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January - 8 
Editor of the Sunday Leader, Lasantha Wickramatunga, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle at Attidiya near Mt. Lavinia in Colombo in the morning of January 8, Daily News reported. Wickramatunga was driving to office when the assai
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Editor of the Sunday Leader, Lasantha Wickramatunga, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle at Attidiya near Mt. Lavinia in Colombo in the morning of January 8, Daily News reported. Wickramatunga was driving to office when the assailants targeted him near the Bakery junction in Attidiya.
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January - 8 
Eight more LTTE cadres were killed by the troops during a gun-battle between the two sides at Andankulam. Three soldiers were injured in the incident.
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Eight more LTTE cadres were killed by the troops during a gun-battle between the two sides at Andankulam. Three soldiers were injured in the incident.
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January - 8 
On January 8, SFs in Mannar confronted a group of LTTE militants in the Pampaimadu area and killed an unspecified number of them. During subsequent search operations, they recovered five T-56 weapons, seven T-56 magazines, 235 rounds of T-56 ammuniti
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On January 8, SFs in Mannar confronted a group of LTTE militants in the Pampaimadu area and killed an unspecified number of them. During subsequent search operations, they recovered five T-56 weapons, seven T-56 magazines, 235 rounds of T-56 ammunition, one micro pistol, three micro pistol magazines, one .38 weapon, 90 rounds of .38 ammunition, 39 rounds of micro pistol ammunition, one satellite mobile phone, one CDMA wireless phone, maps of Anuradhapura and Silavathurai from the area.
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January - 8 
The Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on January 8 reiterated that the Government does not believe in a military solution to address the genuine grievances of the minority communities and is firmly committed to a political solution to the ethnic c
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The Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on January 8 reiterated that the Government does not believe in a military solution to address the genuine grievances of the minority communities and is firmly committed to a political solution to the ethnic conflict, reports The Hindu. At a briefing of the diplomatic corps based in Colombo on the decision of the Sri Lankan Government to ban the LTTE, he said acts of terrorism by the LTTE and its orchestrated campaign to collect funds to commit acts of terrorism and its activities relating to the procurement or smuggling of arms, ammunition and explosives, had the potential of adversely affecting international and regional peace and the security and law and order of other sovereign nations. He told the diplomats that India’s decision to proscribe the LTTE and renew the ban periodically also stems from the threat that the outfit poses to the territorial integrity of India.
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January - 8 
The troops also captured Sorampattu, about five kilometres southeast of Pallai, in the same evening, Sri Lanka Army (SLA) reported. The LTTE militants exploded a string of cluster bombs, which have been banned under UN conventions, as the troops were
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The troops also captured Sorampattu, about five kilometres southeast of Pallai, in the same evening, Sri Lanka Army (SLA) reported. The LTTE militants exploded a string of cluster bombs, which have been banned under UN conventions, as the troops were closing in on them and injured a few soldiers. An unspecified number of militants now trapped between Sorampattu and Pallai would have either been killed or injured since all the routes for their passage either through Jaffna, Kilinochchi or to the north of Mullaitivu remain sealed after the capture of several strategic towns in these areas.
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January - 8 
Troops of the 53rd Division and 55th Division advancing from the Kilali and Muhamalai forward FDLs (Forward defence lines) captured the Pallai town, the main township south of Muhamalai and Kilali FDLs, in the afternoon of January 8, reports Daily Ne
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Troops of the 53rd Division and 55th Division advancing from the Kilali and Muhamalai forward FDLs (Forward defence lines) captured the Pallai town, the main township south of Muhamalai and Kilali FDLs, in the afternoon of January 8, reports Daily News. "Troops marching ahead of the Muhamalai and Kilali defences captured the Pallai town located some six kilometres south of Tiger defence line in Muhamalai without much resistance from the LTTE. The Tiger cadres have vacated their third line in Pallai in face of the troops advance… The troops are only seven kilometres short to take full control of the A-9 road by yesterday evening and they are fast advancing towards the south ", an unnamed military official told Daily News. The troops are now poised to capture the remaining part of Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) road to link up with the troops south of Elephant Pass within the next 48 hours, said Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka. Military sources also said the Liberation Tigers of Tami Eelam (LTTE) had shifted their artillery guns from Jaffna peninsula to the south expecting a troop advance.
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January - 9 
A senior defence official said, “the Sri Lankan Navy has been put on alert to prevent any attempt by Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran or other senior LTTE leaders from fleeing the country… The naval blockade has been imposed in northern Mullaitivu,
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A senior defence official said, “the Sri Lankan Navy has been put on alert to prevent any attempt by Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran or other senior LTTE leaders from fleeing the country… The naval blockade has been imposed in northern Mullaitivu, the only remaining stronghold of the LTTE after the fall of their de facto capital of Kilinochchi and the strategic Elephant Pass," reports PTI.
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January - 9 
Colombo Page reports that following the capture of Elephant Pass, the Government has restored the access through the A-9 highway, the main land route to Jaffna from the mainland. At a special news briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat, Health
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Colombo Page reports that following the capture of Elephant Pass, the Government has restored the access through the A-9 highway, the main land route to Jaffna from the mainland. At a special news briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said now the citizens of Sri Lanka can move freely from southernmost point of Devundara Thuduwa (Dondra Point) to the northernmost Point Pedro. Minister de Silva said the opening of the A-9 main route will facilitate the free and quick movement of people and goods among all parts of the island which will result in an increase in commerce and reduction of prices of essential items in the Jaffna peninsula. He also said this is the first time in many years people can travel through A-9 without paying “taxes” to the LTTE. Even when the A-9 was opened during the cease-fire period, the LTTE was collecting illegal taxes and ransom from the people, he said.
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January - 9 
Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollagama said on January 9 that Sri Lanka would positively consider handing over LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran to India alive if the Indian Government made a request to do so, according to Daily Mirror. Responding to a
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Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollagama said on January 9 that Sri Lanka would positively consider handing over LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran to India alive if the Indian Government made a request to do so, according to Daily Mirror. Responding to a question at the special United People's Freedom Alliance news briefing following the capture of Elephant Pass, Bogollagama said there was no extradition treaty between India and Sri Lanka. “But if the Indian Government makes a request to hand over the LTTE leader to India in the event he is arrested alive by the security forces, Sri Lanka would consider it positively under the existing law as he is a murder suspect in India,” Bogollagama said. The Indian Government is yet to make such a request, he said, adding that only some individuals in India had requested Sri Lanka to do so.
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January - 9 
Four civilians and three Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) personnel were killed in a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-triggered claymore mine explosion at Morawewa in the Trincomalee District in the morning of January 9, reports Sri Lanka Army. The
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Four civilians and three Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) personnel were killed in a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-triggered claymore mine explosion at Morawewa in the Trincomalee District in the morning of January 9, reports Sri Lanka Army. The explosion occurred when the SLAF personnel were engaged in route-clearing for a tractor of the Irrigation Department which was taking civilian workers to the Neluwa irrigational worksite, killing four civilians aboard the tractor and three accompanying SLAF personnel on the spot. Six more sustained injuries in the blast.
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January - 9 
News.lk reports that the Highways Minister, A. L. M. Athaulla, on January 9 called on the Government to resettle all those Muslims who were evicted from Jaffna in July 1991 and are now living in refugee camps in Puttalam or with their relations in th
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News.lk reports that the Highways Minister, A. L. M. Athaulla, on January 9 called on the Government to resettle all those Muslims who were evicted from Jaffna in July 1991 and are now living in refugee camps in Puttalam or with their relations in the South. Addressing a press conference at the Presidential Secretariat, he said Muslims have also undergone severe hardship due to the LTTE and the time had come for those wrongs to be rectified. "Muslims owned land and property in the North and all that should be returned to them," Athaulla said, adding, that it cannot be said the LTTE existed to liberate the Tamil people.
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January - 9 
On the same day, troops of the Commando Brigade at Upparu in Mannar District killed two militants and also recovered two hand grenades, one motor bicycle and two dog tags from their possession.
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On the same day, troops of the Commando Brigade at Upparu in Mannar District killed two militants and also recovered two hand grenades, one motor bicycle and two dog tags from their possession.
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January - 9 
Security Forces (SFs) captured the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway connecting the south with the Jaffna peninsula after 23 years, reported Daily News. Troops of the 53rd, 55th, and 58th Divisions captured the strategically important Elephant Pass by the a
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Security Forces (SFs) captured the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway connecting the south with the Jaffna peninsula after 23 years, reported Daily News. Troops of the 53rd, 55th, and 58th Divisions captured the strategically important Elephant Pass by the afternoon of January 9, President Mahinda Rajapakse announced. The President said the SFs are now able to connect people in Dondra Head with people in Point Pedro after 23 years in an environment sans terrorism making a bridge of peace between the South and North. The 53rd and 55th Division advancing from Muhamalai and Kilali linked up with troops of the 58th Division who had taken control of the Elephant Pass south by January 6. The 58th Division cleared the path for the 53rd and 55th Division to move towards the south of Jaffna peninsula compelling the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants to vacate many of the areas they held in the southern part of the Jaffna peninsula. With the capture of Elephant Pass, the troops were able to clear a 96 kilometre stretch of the A-9 road between Omanthai and Muhamalai after two years of military operations in Wanni and in the north. Military officials said this is the first time the A-9 road is open till Jaffna under military control after the SFs lost control of it after the departure of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in the late 1980s. The SFs lost control of Elephant Pass in April 2000 when 353 soldiers were killed and over 2,500 injured. “It is after nine years troops are taking control of Elephant Pass from the clutches of the LTTE,” the President stated.
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January - 9 
Several soldiers sustained injuries during separate clashes between the two sides in the Pallai and Pullopalai areas north of Elephant Pass.
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Several soldiers sustained injuries during separate clashes between the two sides in the Pallai and Pullopalai areas north of Elephant Pass.
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January - 9 
SFs attacked LTTE camps in the Urani, Murusumoddai, Mulliyaweli, west of Mankulam, Thaddumalai, Thaddalaimadu, north of Ampakamam and north of Alankulam and inflicted heavy casualties upon the militants. During subsequent search operations, troops re
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SFs attacked LTTE camps in the Urani, Murusumoddai, Mulliyaweli, west of Mankulam, Thaddumalai, Thaddalaimadu, north of Ampakamam and north of Alankulam and inflicted heavy casualties upon the militants. During subsequent search operations, troops recovered the dead bodies of four militants along with four T-56 weapons, one T-56 magazine, 256 rounds of ammunition, six hand grenades, two radio communication sets, 84 explosive chargers, five anti-personnel mines, three claymore mines of 1.5 kg each, two claymore mines of 5 kg each, 3.75 kg of TNT explosives, 50 kg of black powder, 29 kg of TNT pieces, 20 kg of gun powder and 11.8 kg of C-4 explosives from these areas.
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January - 9 
SFs continued their advance amidst heavy LTTE mortar fire in the Kilinochchi east, Vattaikachchi and Iranamadu. An unspecified number of militants were killed in these clashes. Troops also recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with one T
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SFs continued their advance amidst heavy LTTE mortar fire in the Kilinochchi east, Vattaikachchi and Iranamadu. An unspecified number of militants were killed in these clashes. Troops also recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with one T-56 weapon, four hand grenades and two I-com sets from Vattaikachchi.
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January - 9 
SFs recovered the dead bodies of 12 militants along with five T-56 weapons, one General Purpose Machine Gun and two I-com radio sets from the Murusamoddai area of Mullaitivu District.
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SFs recovered the dead bodies of 12 militants along with five T-56 weapons, one General Purpose Machine Gun and two I-com radio sets from the Murusamoddai area of Mullaitivu District.
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January - 9 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has asked India to "stop providing military assistance" to the Sri Lankan Government and vowed to take back it de facto political headquarters Kilinochchi, PTI reported on January 10. "India should stop all
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has asked India to "stop providing military assistance" to the Sri Lankan Government and vowed to take back it de facto political headquarters Kilinochchi, PTI reported on January 10. "India should stop all military assistance to Sri Lankan Army and recognise our struggle for liberation", the LTTE political head Balasingham Nadesan told the Tamil bi-weekly Junior Vikatan in an e-mail interview. On whether India seemed to be close to Sri Lankan Government than to the LTTE, Nadesan said, "this causes us deep anguish. We have been reiterating that India should understand its true friends are Tamils.” Conceding that the outfit was "upset" over the loss of Kilinochchi, Nadesan said it was however not a "setback" and the LTTE has recaptured the town on earlier occasions. "This is not the first time that Kilinochchi has been captured by the Lankan Army. We have retrieved Kilinochchi from the army several times and had it under our control for long periods. This is history. We do not see this as a setback", Nadesan said. "We are of course upset (on losing Kilinochchi). But only buildings have been affected. Our doors to liberation remain strong", he added. On why the LTTE is not retaliating in many places in the ongoing confrontation with Sri Lankan Security Forces, which on January 10 took over the crucial Elephant Pass, Nadesan said, "To withdraw is a war strategy to ensure minimum casualties. The Sri Lankan government wants to eliminate the entire Tamil race. But Eelam Tamils are not orphans; the most important message conveyed to this world and the Lankan government is the seven crore Tamils of Tamil Nadu will not remain mute spectators to sufferings of Eelam Tamils… We would retrieve the lands and construct our buildings. I would also like to mention that police department, banks and finance departments have been functioning despite being relocated.” He also said residents of Kilinochchi who have left the town have been relocated to safer places in Wanni. “When situation is favourable to us, we would recapture Kilinochchi and let people live there,” Nadesan said. On the situation in areas under LTTE control, Nadesan stated that “facing the consistent military actions and continuous relocations, our people hope to retrieve the lost lands. All our people have been making huge sacrifices for this cause.” On whether it was possible to get the ban on LTTE revoked, Nadesan said the support rendered “to our struggle by the global Tamil community in unison proves that it is possible.” Nadesan also said that several countries "especially Pakistan and China" have been sending ammunition to Sri Lanka by ships. "This has been confirmed by media in Colombo," he said. Asked if the relief supplies sent from India has been distributed in a fair way, Nadesan replied in the affirmative. "The relief material has been distributed through the International Red Cross society functioning in our regions. They have been doing the distribution in a fair and complete way. Tamils are our umbilical cord relatives and this timely help will remain etched in our memory," Nadesan added.
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January - 9 
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on January 9 expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in eastern Sri Lanka with increased number of killings. It said the UN recorded 24 civilian deaths in the Batticaloa district in No
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The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on January 9 expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in eastern Sri Lanka with increased number of killings. It said the UN recorded 24 civilian deaths in the Batticaloa district in November 2008 alone.
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January - 10 
A group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants stormed the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) office at Killiveddi in the Trincomalee District on January 10 and opened fire at the TMVP members inside the office killing one of them a
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A group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants stormed the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) office at Killiveddi in the Trincomalee District on January 10 and opened fire at the TMVP members inside the office killing one of them and injuring two others, reports Colombo Page. In the ensuing exchange of fire between the LTTE cadres and TMVP members providing security to the office, two militants were killed. Dead bodies of two LTTE militants along with one T-56 weapon, three hand grenades, one cyanide capsule, and mobile phone were recovered from the incident site.
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January - 10 
An unidentified assailant killed a prominent Tamil businessman, identified as Thambirasa Ravindran, at Nawakkadu in the Batticaloa District, Police said.
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An unidentified assailant killed a prominent Tamil businessman, identified as Thambirasa Ravindran, at Nawakkadu in the Batticaloa District, Police said.
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January - 10 
Colombo Page reports that the troops of the 59th Division, now advancing towards Mullaitivu, captured another LTTE airstrip located five kilometres west of the Mullaitivu lagoon in the afternoon of January 10, the military said. The Defence Ministry
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Colombo Page reports that the troops of the 59th Division, now advancing towards Mullaitivu, captured another LTTE airstrip located five kilometres west of the Mullaitivu lagoon in the afternoon of January 10, the military said. The Defence Ministry said the airstrip was about 2.5 kilometres long and 100 metres wide. This is the fourth LTTE airstrip captured by troops in the recent past, military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. Troops operating in the Mullaitivu area captured this airstrip together with two empty hangars, he added.
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January - 10 
On January 10, an unspecified number of militants were killed during fighting in the Vaddakkachchi and Kandavalai areas. Troops later recovered the dead bodies of five militants, four T-56 weapons, two communication sets, one area map, 12.7 ammunitio
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On January 10, an unspecified number of militants were killed during fighting in the Vaddakkachchi and Kandavalai areas. Troops later recovered the dead bodies of five militants, four T-56 weapons, two communication sets, one area map, 12.7 ammunition box and 1000 rounds of T-56 ammunition. Three more dead bodies of militants were recovered by troops in the Nithiyaveddai and Kattidankulam areas, about 8.5 kilometres northeast of Elephant Pass, in the Jaffna District. The troops also recovered three T-56 weapons, two Multi Purpose Machine guns, four T-5 weapons and four radio sets from the incident site.
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January - 10 
Seven innocent Tamil civilians, including two children, on their way to cleared areas (area under Government control) seeking protection for their lives, were shot dead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the morning of Janua
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Seven innocent Tamil civilians, including two children, on their way to cleared areas (area under Government control) seeking protection for their lives, were shot dead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the morning of January 10, reports Defence.lk. According to the military sources, the civilians from Murusamoddai and Kanchipuram areas were on their way to security forces' controlled area when they were attacked by the militants deployed on possible escaping routes to prevent civilian movement. Two children, two females and three males are among the victims, military sources added. However, 49 more civilians, two of them injured in firing, of the same managed to arrive at troops in Paranthan.
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January - 11 
107 civilians who escaped from LTTE-held areas reached the Security Forces (SFs)-held area of Kandalkadu and sought protection from the troops. Among them is one ex-LTTE cadre who defected from the organization and joined his family before reaching K
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107 civilians who escaped from LTTE-held areas reached the Security Forces (SFs)-held area of Kandalkadu and sought protection from the troops. Among them is one ex-LTTE cadre who defected from the organization and joined his family before reaching Kandalkadu. He revealed that he had been taken forcibly by the LTTE in October 2006 and given LTTE training in Vishvamadu. Later, he had been put to LTTE’s 120 mortar operating group named “Radhan” and deployed in operations against the troops in Mannar and Vavuniya.
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January - 11 
31 civilians surrendered to the 55th Division troops in the Sorampattu area of Jaffna District. Similarly, 25 more civilians reached the troops at the Thauwankoddai area of Kilinochchi District.
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31 civilians surrendered to the 55th Division troops in the Sorampattu area of Jaffna District. Similarly, 25 more civilians reached the troops at the Thauwankoddai area of Kilinochchi District.
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January - 11 
An unspecified number of LTTE militants were killed and some solders wounded during clashes at Iranamadu and Wattakachchi in the Kilinochchi District. During subsequent search operations conducted in Wattakachchi, the troops recovered dead bodies of
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An unspecified number of LTTE militants were killed and some solders wounded during clashes at Iranamadu and Wattakachchi in the Kilinochchi District. During subsequent search operations conducted in Wattakachchi, the troops recovered dead bodies of three militants, including a female cadre, one T-56 weapon, ten 81 mm mortar bombs, twenty-two 61 mm mortar bombs, 11 hand grenades and 10 anti-personnel mines.
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January - 11 
During another clash between the two sides in the west of Mulliyavalai and Kachchilamadu areas of Kilinochchi District, the troops killed an unspecified number of militants. The SFs later recovered one T-56 weapon, 1020 rounds of T-56 ammunition and
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During another clash between the two sides in the west of Mulliyavalai and Kachchilamadu areas of Kilinochchi District, the troops killed an unspecified number of militants. The SFs later recovered one T-56 weapon, 1020 rounds of T-56 ammunition and three hand grenades from Mulliyavalai and one T-56 weapon and a bottle filled with C-4 high explosive from the Kachchilamadu area.
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January - 11 
more than 100 civilians leaving their homes in LTTE-held areas came to Omanthai, Vaddakkachchi, Pandimoddai and Thadduwankoddy areas of Vavuniya and Kilinochchi Districts and sought protection from the SFs. Similarly, four civilians, including a fema
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more than 100 civilians leaving their homes in LTTE-held areas came to Omanthai, Vaddakkachchi, Pandimoddai and Thadduwankoddy areas of Vavuniya and Kilinochchi Districts and sought protection from the SFs. Similarly, four civilians, including a female, from Vettalaikerny area reached the troops in Mullaitivu.
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January - 11 
On January 11, SFs opened fire towards LTTE militants in the Periyakulam, Vaddakkachchi and the east of Iranamadu areas and killed an unspecified number of them. Troops later recovered the dead bodies of eight militants, including a decomposed dead b
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On January 11, SFs opened fire towards LTTE militants in the Periyakulam, Vaddakkachchi and the east of Iranamadu areas and killed an unspecified number of them. Troops later recovered the dead bodies of eight militants, including a decomposed dead body of a female cadre, along with four T-56 weapons from these areas.
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January - 11 
On the same day, SFs clashed with militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area inflicting heavy casualties upon them and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with two T-56 weapons, 3850 rounds of T-56 ammunition and two uniforms.
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On the same day, SFs clashed with militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area inflicting heavy casualties upon them and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with two T-56 weapons, 3850 rounds of T-56 ammunition and two uniforms.
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January - 11 
SFs recovered the dead body of one militant along with two T-56 weapons and one magazine from Mudliyarkulam and Kattikulam areas.
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SFs recovered the dead body of one militant along with two T-56 weapons and one magazine from Mudliyarkulam and Kattikulam areas.
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January - 11 
Sri Lankan Police held the second phase of a special census started earlier to register persons who have come to capital Colombo from the North, East and Central Provinces since January 1, 2003. Police spokesperson Ranjith Gunasekara said the second
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Sri Lankan Police held the second phase of a special census started earlier to register persons who have come to capital Colombo from the North, East and Central Provinces since January 1, 2003. Police spokesperson Ranjith Gunasekara said the second phase was held throughout the day at selected Police stations in the Western Province. The first phase was held on January 4, 2009, and accordingly over 25,000 persons registered with the Police. The main goal of the census is to document people’s reasons for moving to the Western Province from the North, East or Central Provinces in the last five years. Police have also arrested 10 persons who were unable to provide a reason for coming to Colombo from the North or East.
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January - 11 
Task Force-II troops captured a LTTE base in the Aiyamperumal area of Mullaitivu District. The militant camp, protected with a 12 feet tall barbwire fence and one 60 mm motor gun, consisted of one lecture hall, 12 temporary huts, one medical room, on
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Task Force-II troops captured a LTTE base in the Aiyamperumal area of Mullaitivu District. The militant camp, protected with a 12 feet tall barbwire fence and one 60 mm motor gun, consisted of one lecture hall, 12 temporary huts, one medical room, one store building and a kitchen.
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January - 11 
The 53rd Division troops continuing their advance towards the east after the capture of Elephant Pass attacked the next stronghold of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Kevil in the Jaffna District in the afternoon of January 11, reports
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The 53rd Division troops continuing their advance towards the east after the capture of Elephant Pass attacked the next stronghold of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Kevil in the Jaffna District in the afternoon of January 11, reports Sri Lanka Army. Troops are now conducting clearing operations in and around the area removing mines and booby traps laid by the militants.
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January - 11 
The Government said that around 3,000 soldiers have been killed in battle with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the last three months and not 15,000, as alleged by the Opposition. Foreign Employment Minister and Defence spokesman Keheli
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The Government said that around 3,000 soldiers have been killed in battle with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the last three months and not 15,000, as alleged by the Opposition. Foreign Employment Minister and Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told Sunday Island that the figure of 15,000 soldiers was exaggerated and incorrect. "According to our estimates, around 3,000 soldiers have been killed in action, since October 2008." Asked where he thought LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran might be hiding, Rambukwella said, "he is in Mullaitivu and being guarded by the 2,000 cadres that the LTTE has left. It is a matter of time before its last bastion is also overrun." Asked if he thought the remaining LTTE cadres could regroup and operate as an effective guerrilla organization, he said, "no, they might be able to cause some damage occasionally, but the LTTE, as an organization, has lost its effectiveness and the morale of their cadres is very low. They can no longer pose a serious threat." There has been no official request from India as yet for a captured Prabhakaran to be handed over to them, he said, adding, "Prabhakaran is wanted in both Sri Lanka and India for the atrocities he has committed. The Sri Lankan High Court has already convicted and sentenced him to 200 years in jail."
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January - 11 
The Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets destroyed a large LTTE boat in the Chundikulam lagoon in the morning of January 11. About two hours after the attack on the boat, fighter jets bombed the militants retreating from Chundikulam area. The details are
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The Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets destroyed a large LTTE boat in the Chundikulam lagoon in the morning of January 11. About two hours after the attack on the boat, fighter jets bombed the militants retreating from Chundikulam area. The details are awaited.
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January - 11 
The troops operating in the Kovilkadu area of Jaffna District captured one LTTE command centre with 81 mm mortar launching pad surrounded by three concrete bunkers. Another command point with an under ground vehicle park and a communication centre es
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The troops operating in the Kovilkadu area of Jaffna District captured one LTTE command centre with 81 mm mortar launching pad surrounded by three concrete bunkers. Another command point with an under ground vehicle park and a communication centre established inside a container in the same area was captured by the troops.
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January - 11 
Troops attacked LTTE camps in the west of Mulliyavalai in Mullaitivu District and expanded their FDL (Forward Defence Line). Troops also captured a LTTE training camp with 11 concrete bunkers, one hall, one concrete bunker, one underground bunker, on
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Troops attacked LTTE camps in the west of Mulliyavalai in Mullaitivu District and expanded their FDL (Forward Defence Line). Troops also captured a LTTE training camp with 11 concrete bunkers, one hall, one concrete bunker, one underground bunker, one 200 ft long dining hall, one 35 ft long cooking home and one 35 ft long office building.
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January - 11 
Troops in the area between Pallai and Sorampattu recovered a mine manufacturing point of the LTTE. A house in the area had been used by the militants to produce mines and it is believed that the LTTE distributed those mines to their Muhamalai, Kilaly
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Troops in the area between Pallai and Sorampattu recovered a mine manufacturing point of the LTTE. A house in the area had been used by the militants to produce mines and it is believed that the LTTE distributed those mines to their Muhamalai, Kilaly and Nagarkovil FDLs (Forward Defence Lines).
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January - 11 
Two more dead bodies of LTTE militants were recovered by troops from the Murusamoddai and Thaddamoddai areas of Mullaitivu District.
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Two more dead bodies of LTTE militants were recovered by troops from the Murusamoddai and Thaddamoddai areas of Mullaitivu District.
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January - 12 
According to the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services (RDRS) Ministry sources, 1168 persons have sought refuge with authorities and they have been housed in the Menik farm and Nelumkulama welfare centre in Vavuniya, Daily News reported. During t
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According to the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services (RDRS) Ministry sources, 1168 persons have sought refuge with authorities and they have been housed in the Menik farm and Nelumkulama welfare centre in Vavuniya, Daily News reported. During the past two days, over 200 displaced people have sought refuge with the military at various destinations in the northern front and according to reports many others are on the way. However, there were reports of intimidation by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), including shooting those who defied their orders, as demonstrated in the killing of seven civilians on January 10. But with military laying siege on the final LTTE frontier, authorities said they expect a mass exodus in the coming weeks. They said that a safe passage had been prepared for the civilians fleeing the LTTE to reach Vavuniya. According to independent verifications, the number of displaced who are being forcibly kept in Wanni by the LTTE ranges between 150,000 to 250,000.
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January - 12 
After a two day battle, troops of the 59th Division re-captured the Government hospital and its surrounding area at Tanniyuttu town in the Mulliyavalai area of Mullaitivu District on January 12, reports Daily News. Troops later recovered several Libe
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After a two day battle, troops of the 59th Division re-captured the Government hospital and its surrounding area at Tanniyuttu town in the Mulliyavalai area of Mullaitivu District on January 12, reports Daily News. Troops later recovered several Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) uniforms and other equipments used by the militants. The hospital has been used by the militants as a key strategic point to attack the Security Forces (SFs) and treat their injured cadres. The outfit had erected several bunkers within the hospital premises.
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January - 12 
During another clash in the areas east of Puthukudirippu and Mulliyaweli in Mullaitivu District, the SFs killed an unspecified number of militants. Troops also recovered the dead body one militant along with a Light Machine Gun and two T-56 weapons f
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During another clash in the areas east of Puthukudirippu and Mulliyaweli in Mullaitivu District, the SFs killed an unspecified number of militants. Troops also recovered the dead body one militant along with a Light Machine Gun and two T-56 weapons from Puthukudirippu.
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January - 12 
MI-24 gun-ships neutralised two LTTE camps in the Iranamadu Tank area of Kilinochchi District. “The sorties were in support of 57 Division and TF-3 to liberate the area,” the spokesman stated. He also said fighter jets neutralised another LTTE camp n
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MI-24 gun-ships neutralised two LTTE camps in the Iranamadu Tank area of Kilinochchi District. “The sorties were in support of 57 Division and TF-3 to liberate the area,” the spokesman stated. He also said fighter jets neutralised another LTTE camp north of the Mullaitivu lagoon mouth.
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January - 12 
News.lk reports that the Government is venturing on a crash development programme in Kilinochchi town in the wake of recent military victories with the objective of getting civilians to return and begin a new life. The immediate priorities would be i
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News.lk reports that the Government is venturing on a crash development programme in Kilinochchi town in the wake of recent military victories with the objective of getting civilians to return and begin a new life. The immediate priorities would be improving schools, hospitals and developing roads and the transport sector. SLR 30 million was allocated to improve facilities for the displaced persons, Government officials said.
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January - 12 
On January 12, the troops of 57th and 58th Divisions continued their advance further into the LTTE held areas of Uriyan and the south of Elephant Pass inflicting an unspecified number of heavy casualties upon the militants, SLA reports. A few soldier
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On January 12, the troops of 57th and 58th Divisions continued their advance further into the LTTE held areas of Uriyan and the south of Elephant Pass inflicting an unspecified number of heavy casualties upon the militants, SLA reports. A few soldiers also sustained injuries in the LTTE mortar fire. Troops later recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with two T-56 weapons from Uriyan.
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January - 12 
Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets neutralised a LTTE camp frequently visited by its chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in the Puthukkudiyiruppu jungle, the SLAF spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara told Daily News.
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Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets neutralised a LTTE camp frequently visited by its chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in the Puthukkudiyiruppu jungle, the SLAF spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara told Daily News.
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January - 12 
The Government on January 12 reiterated that it was fully prepared to handle the mass exodus of civilians from Wanni, and Vavuniya was being readied as a humanitarian assistance hub to cater to their needs. “Arrangements are underway to provide relie
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The Government on January 12 reiterated that it was fully prepared to handle the mass exodus of civilians from Wanni, and Vavuniya was being readied as a humanitarian assistance hub to cater to their needs. “Arrangements are underway to provide relief for those coming from un-cleared areas seeking shelter and safety,” the RDRS Minister Rishard Bathuideeen said. Authorities have also taken steps to clear an 80 acre land in Vavuniya to construct temporary shelters. RDRS Secretary A. C. M. Razik said the Government had already allocated SLR 30 million as an initial sum to expedite relief measures through the Government Agent in Vavuniya.
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January - 12 
Troops of the Task Force-III, advancing towards Mullaitivu through the jungles in the southeast of Iranamadu, attacked LTTE militants, killing an unspecified number of them and injuring over a dozen.
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Troops of the Task Force-III, advancing towards Mullaitivu through the jungles in the southeast of Iranamadu, attacked LTTE militants, killing an unspecified number of them and injuring over a dozen.
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January - 13 
Civilians started converging into the cleared areas (area under Government control) in Kilinochchi and Jaffna as troops took full control of the Jaffna peninsula, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told Daily News. 655 civilians reached t
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Civilians started converging into the cleared areas (area under Government control) in Kilinochchi and Jaffna as troops took full control of the Jaffna peninsula, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told Daily News. 655 civilians reached the Security Forces (SFs) controlled areas of Kevil and Murusamoddai from the midnight of January 13, the Brigadier added. "Many of these civilians walked into Security Forces controlled areas after escaping from the LTTE’s grip whilst a group of 47 people reaching Murusamoddai area in a boat from the lagoon in the East of Elephant Pass", Nanayakkara informed. "There will be a sharp increase in the number of civilians arriving in the Security Forces controlled areas as troops are fast moving into Dharmapuram and Vaddakkachchi areas where the LTTE is holding a large number of civilians", he added.
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January - 13 
On January 13, the LTTE militants withdrawing towards Mullaitivu were fired upon by troops in the Ramanadhapuram, Thanniuttu, east of Puthukudirippu, Muthiyandankulam, west of Puthukudirippu, north of Ampakamam and Kanakarandankulam areas killing an
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On January 13, the LTTE militants withdrawing towards Mullaitivu were fired upon by troops in the Ramanadhapuram, Thanniuttu, east of Puthukudirippu, Muthiyandankulam, west of Puthukudirippu, north of Ampakamam and Kanakarandankulam areas killing an unspecified number of militants. SFs later recovered the dead bodies of six militants along with 10 T-56 weapons, one radio communication set, two I-com sets and one hand grenade from these areas.
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January - 13 
SFs also recovered two Sea Tiger boats fitted with explosives of about 75 kilograms each in Thanniuttu.
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SFs also recovered two Sea Tiger boats fitted with explosives of about 75 kilograms each in Thanniuttu.
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January - 13 
SFs in the Aiyanperunal and Thonikal areas and those operating in the north of Ampakamam area as also in Keridamadu area continued their advance amidst LTTE’s stiff resistance throughout the day inflicting heavy casualties among the militants. During
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SFs in the Aiyanperunal and Thonikal areas and those operating in the north of Ampakamam area as also in Keridamadu area continued their advance amidst LTTE’s stiff resistance throughout the day inflicting heavy casualties among the militants. During these clashes, the troops captured a LTTE bunker line, an administrative base and a training camp, erected with concrete bunkers in the Keridamadu area. They also recovered one radio communication set from the area.
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January - 13 
STF personnel recovered a claymore mine weighing about 20 kilograms during a search conducted in the Mollipothana area on January 13.
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STF personnel recovered a claymore mine weighing about 20 kilograms during a search conducted in the Mollipothana area on January 13.
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January - 13 
The Army has, meanwhile, successfully cornered the LTTE to a 600 square kilometres area with the present progress in operations killing almost 15,000 militants within the past three years, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka said on Janu
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The Army has, meanwhile, successfully cornered the LTTE to a 600 square kilometres area with the present progress in operations killing almost 15,000 militants within the past three years, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka said on January 13, Daily News reported. “Today the Army is strong with 180,000 personnel where as a few years ago, we had just 116,000 people. We elevated ourselves not just with man power but with well trained, sharp and skilled professionals,” he stated.
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January - 13 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is reported to have carried out 168 suicide attacks between 1984 and 2006. This is the highest number of suicide attacks by a terrorist organisation during this period, said the Healthcare and Nutrition Min
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is reported to have carried out 168 suicide attacks between 1984 and 2006. This is the highest number of suicide attacks by a terrorist organisation during this period, said the Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, according to Daily News. "The LTTE carried out 346 attacks targeting innocent civilians in many parts of the country and they assassinated 3,262 civilians during 1984 to 2006. They have killed 2,252 Sinhala civilians, 309 Tamil civilians and 701 Muslim civilians in these attacks and have seriously injured 3,494 people including children, women and even pregnant mothers,” de Silva said while addressing an election meeting at the United People's Freedom Alliance party office in Kurunegala Town on January 10. The Minister also said the LTTE killed 50 political leaders, including President Ranasinghe Premadasa, United National Party Presidential election candidate, Gamini Dissanayake, Ministers D.M. Dassanayake and Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and veteran politician Lakshman Kadirgamar. They also tried to assassinate former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, he added.
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January - 13 
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets and MI-24 helicopters carried out 10 successive air raids targeting key LTTE camps throughout the day, the Defence Ministry said, reports Colombo Page. According to the SLAF spokesman Wing Commander Janaka
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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets and MI-24 helicopters carried out 10 successive air raids targeting key LTTE camps throughout the day, the Defence Ministry said, reports Colombo Page. According to the SLAF spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, the day-long air raids began at about 9:10am (SLST) and concluded at 6:00pm. The SLAF fighter jets and MI-24 helicopters launched four air raids targeting the LTTE defence lines in Mullaitivu between 9:20 am and 11:30am in support of the ground troops of 59th Division advancing towards Mullaitivu. Fighter jets shelled LTTE camps in Mullaitivu throughout the day. In addition, fighter jets also bombed LTTE vehicles carrying two heavy artillery guns in the Chundikulam area at about 4:00pm. The two artillery guns were completely destroyed.
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January - 13 
Troops clashed with militants in the Mulliyaweli and Urani areas inflicting heavy casualties upon the outfit. The SFs also expanded their FDL (Forward Defence Line) in the Mulliyaweli area while capturing a training camp in Urani.
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Troops clashed with militants in the Mulliyaweli and Urani areas inflicting heavy casualties upon the outfit. The SFs also expanded their FDL (Forward Defence Line) in the Mulliyaweli area while capturing a training camp in Urani.
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January - 13 
Troops of 58th Division attacked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) camps in the Murusamoddai area of Mullaitivu District in the afternoon of January 13 inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA). While the
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Troops of 58th Division attacked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) camps in the Murusamoddai area of Mullaitivu District in the afternoon of January 13 inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA). While the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead bodies of four militants along with one canter lorry and one motor bicycle during the subsequent search operation, three other militants who were hiding in the area surrendered to the troops.
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January - 14 
A few soldiers sustained injuries in APM and IED blasts when a team of SF’s were engaged in search and clear operations in the newly captured areas of Pannaikaduwan Ariyanmadam and Periyavilan in Jaffna District. The SFs, meanwhile, recovered two Mul
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A few soldiers sustained injuries in APM and IED blasts when a team of SF’s were engaged in search and clear operations in the newly captured areas of Pannaikaduwan Ariyanmadam and Periyavilan in Jaffna District. The SFs, meanwhile, recovered two Multi Purpose Machine Guns, one T-56 weapon with its magazines and 85 rounds of ammunition from Periyavilan.
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January - 14 
Chillaw Police recovered 111 locally made bombs from a beach area in the Puttalam District in the evening of January 14 following an explosion of one of these bombs that injured two children. Sources said the bombs were fitted into small cans.
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Chillaw Police recovered 111 locally made bombs from a beach area in the Puttalam District in the evening of January 14 following an explosion of one of these bombs that injured two children. Sources said the bombs were fitted into small cans.
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January - 14 
Clashes erupted between the two sides in the areas east of Mullaitivu, Puthukudirippu, Udayankattu Kulam, Alankulam, Ampakamam north and Iranamadu. While an unspecified number of militants were killed in these clashes, the troops recovered the dead b
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Clashes erupted between the two sides in the areas east of Mullaitivu, Puthukudirippu, Udayankattu Kulam, Alankulam, Ampakamam north and Iranamadu. While an unspecified number of militants were killed in these clashes, the troops recovered the dead body of a female militant along with one T-56 weapon, three 81 mm mortar bombs and 31 anti-personnel mines.
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January - 14 
Colombo Page reports that SFs, in the evening of January 14, captured another LTTE airstrip located east of Iranamadu tank running through Olumaduwai. The SFs captured the 1000 metre long and 50 metre wide runway complex, security sources said. This
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Colombo Page reports that SFs, in the evening of January 14, captured another LTTE airstrip located east of Iranamadu tank running through Olumaduwai. The SFs captured the 1000 metre long and 50 metre wide runway complex, security sources said. This is the fifth LTTE airstrip captured by the troops recently. The runway is situated in the thick jungle with a massive bunker surrounded by a trench line around the complex laid with mine fields and booby traps. A hangar has also been found in the complex.
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January - 14 
Following Court approval, the Sri Lanka Government buried 42 unclaimed dead bodies of LTTE militants which were lying at the Vavuniya hospital for some time. The International Committee of Red Cross in Sri Lanka was unable to hand over bodies of the
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Following Court approval, the Sri Lanka Government buried 42 unclaimed dead bodies of LTTE militants which were lying at the Vavuniya hospital for some time. The International Committee of Red Cross in Sri Lanka was unable to hand over bodies of the militants killed in recent battles as no one has come forward to accept them. Sources said 15 more unclaimed militant’s bodies are presently lying at the Mannar hospital.
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January - 14 
On January 14, the troops clashed with militants in the Dharmapuram, Puliyansekkarai, Ramanadhapuram and Murusamoddai areas of Mullaitivu District and killed an unspecified number of them. At least six dead bodies of the militants were later recovere
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On January 14, the troops clashed with militants in the Dharmapuram, Puliyansekkarai, Ramanadhapuram and Murusamoddai areas of Mullaitivu District and killed an unspecified number of them. At least six dead bodies of the militants were later recovered from Dharmapuram and Puliyansekkarai along with four T-56 weapons, one MPMG weapon, two LTTE dog tags, one I-com set, one motorbike and several other items.
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January - 14 
One trooper of the Special Task Force (STF) was killed and two others injured in a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-triggered landmine explosion in the Panama area of Ampara District in the afternoon of January 14, Sri Lanka Army reported.
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One trooper of the Special Task Force (STF) was killed and two others injured in a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-triggered landmine explosion in the Panama area of Ampara District in the afternoon of January 14, Sri Lanka Army reported.
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January - 14 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its chief Velupillai Prabhakaran are presently confined to a minuscule area of 30 kilometres in length and 20 kilometres in breadth in the north-eastern district of
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its chief Velupillai Prabhakaran are presently confined to a minuscule area of 30 kilometres in length and 20 kilometres in breadth in the north-eastern district of Mullaitivu, according to Express Buzz. Over the last few days, the LTTE lost about 1,000 square kilometres, shrinking area under their control rapidly. Interacting with foreign journalists on January 12, Rajapakse said Mullaitivu town had all but fallen because it was being attacked from the west, south and the north giving the LTTE no chance to stem the assault. Asked when the war would be over, he said he hoped to end it in about two-and-a-half months. The President accused the LTTE of holding Tamil civilians in Mullaitivu District as hostage to be used as a human shield. He claimed that civilians had to pay SLR 100,000 to the LTTE to migrate to the Government-held areas. Although there were only about 1700 to 1900 LTTE cadres now, the outfit was guarding all the exit points to prevent civilians from fleeing, he said. When pointed out that so far only 1168 persons had come away from the LTTE-held areas, the President said that it was unthinkable that any civilian would want to stay on in a war-zone. The LTTE was exaggerating the number of civilians who were trapped, Rajapakse maintained, adding, "it is not 300,000 but less than 100,000." He also said, "once the LTTE is defeated, we’ll hold elections in those areas. Let the people vote for who they want." The military is reported to have stated that it has killed at least 14,000 militants and estimates there are fewer than 2000 LTTE cadres now left cornered into a triangular area of about 45 sq km.
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January - 14 
SFs recovered a large stock of goods, including 10 fibre glass boats, 500 water tanks of 200 litre capacity, 10 showers, 10 weapons, five steel beds, 200 ditches, 200 plastic mats, 200 pillows, and a stock of dry ration from a LTTE training camp in t
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SFs recovered a large stock of goods, including 10 fibre glass boats, 500 water tanks of 200 litre capacity, 10 showers, 10 weapons, five steel beds, 200 ditches, 200 plastic mats, 200 pillows, and a stock of dry ration from a LTTE training camp in the Puthukudirippu area of Mullaitivu District.
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January - 14 
Troops captured the entire Jaffna peninsula on January 14 by capturing the last remaining Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stronghold of Chundikulam, according to Colombo Page. The military said troops of 55th Division marching towards Mullait
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Troops captured the entire Jaffna peninsula on January 14 by capturing the last remaining Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stronghold of Chundikulam, according to Colombo Page. The military said troops of 55th Division marching towards Mullaitivu captured Chundikulam which lies parallel to the east of the Elephant Pass isthmus in Jaffna Peninsula. The Army destroyed a LTTE boat with artillery fire killing several militants, including a senior Sea Tiger (cadre of the sea wing of the LTTE) leader, identified as "Lieutenant Colonel’ Thiru. Defence officials said the militants have used Chundikulam to launch major Sea Tiger operations and following the capture troops have located several Sea Tiger bases in the area. In addition, troops of the 58th Division advancing along the Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) road on the West-East axis has reached the outskirts of Dharmapuram, the military said. The 55th Division, advanced 40 kilometres from the Nagarkovil defence line in the Eastern edge of the Jaffna peninsula, captured five Sea Tiger bases in Manmunai, Thalai Adi, Vathurayan, Vettalaikerny and Chundikulam, adds Daily News. "The 55 Division is now operating 20 Km North of Mullaitivu in the northern border of the Mullaitivu district", sources added. The troops also recovered of a fleet of 125 boats belonging to Sea Tigers and LTTE from Chundikulam along with two large lorries, five tractors, one earth moving backo vehicle, 400 anti personnel mines, 40 anti tank mines, booby traps and one 100 KV power generator, the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) reports. With the fall of Chundikulam, the LTTE has been forced to operate only in the seas surrounding Mullaitivu.
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January - 14 
Troops recovered two T-56 magazines, one hand grenade, 15 T-56 rounds and three GPMG rounds from the Sridarpura area of Trincomalee District on January 14, reports Sri Lanka Army.
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Troops recovered two T-56 magazines, one hand grenade, 15 T-56 rounds and three GPMG rounds from the Sridarpura area of Trincomalee District on January 14, reports Sri Lanka Army.
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January - 15 
403 more Tamil civilians reportedly escaped from the LTTE-held areas in Wanni and arrived at the Omanthai Entry/Exit point in Vavuniya District.
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403 more Tamil civilians reportedly escaped from the LTTE-held areas in Wanni and arrived at the Omanthai Entry/Exit point in Vavuniya District.
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January - 15 
An airstrip around 1,100 metres long and 40 metres wide inside the dense Iranamadu jungle was captured by the SFs following intensive fighting. Brigadier Nanayakkara said the LTTE runway was surrounded by massive bunker lines and trenches, as well as
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An airstrip around 1,100 metres long and 40 metres wide inside the dense Iranamadu jungle was captured by the SFs following intensive fighting. Brigadier Nanayakkara said the LTTE runway was surrounded by massive bunker lines and trenches, as well as laid with landmines and booby traps, adding, “A hanger was also found in the vicinity which was damaged by fleeing LTTE cadres.”
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January - 15 
Fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted three air strikes in support of the 59th Division troops marching towards the south of Mullaitivu, reports Sri Lanka Army. The first attack was conducted at around 9.30 am (SLST) followed by two more
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Fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted three air strikes in support of the 59th Division troops marching towards the south of Mullaitivu, reports Sri Lanka Army. The first attack was conducted at around 9.30 am (SLST) followed by two more at around 11.00am and 1.30pm. Separately, fighter jets launched an attack targeting LTTE militants constructing an earth bund in the Chundikulam area and a floating barge in the sea off Chundikulam.
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January - 15 
Government is reportedly considering the holding of local Government election in Jaffna before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year in April 2009, reports Colombo Page. The Government hopes to hold elections at 17 local Government institutes in Jaffna and
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Government is reportedly considering the holding of local Government election in Jaffna before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year in April 2009, reports Colombo Page. The Government hopes to hold elections at 17 local Government institutes in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts, sources said. No elections have been held in the region since 1997.
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January - 15 
The courageous political leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapakse and the correct military leadership given to the Security Forces were the principal reasons behind the historic victories achieved in the struggle to defeat terrorism, Defence S
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The courageous political leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapakse and the correct military leadership given to the Security Forces were the principal reasons behind the historic victories achieved in the struggle to defeat terrorism, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said on January 15, according to Daily News. There was tremendous external and internal pressure brought on President Rajapakse, especially at the initial period of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Defence Secretary explained. Some foreign powers not only told him that the LTTE was invincible but also wanted him to stop the war, he said. “There were also difficulties in procuring necessary arms and equipment for the prosecution of the war. It was through the untiring efforts of the President that Sri Lanka could obtain the required military hardware from China, Pakistan and other friendly countries,” he added. The Defence Secretary also revealed that it was the changed strategy and tactics in the battle front that facilitated the military victories. The use of small groups, formation of wide fronts as well as simultaneous offensive operations from several locations, the use of special task forces and commando groups were some of these new strategic and tactical measures, he explained. The Sri Lanka Navy also developed new strategies, some of which were engaging the enemy at deep sea far off from our shores, the use of small crafts in combating LTTE boats, he said. Similarly, the Sri Lankan Air Force which could aim more precisely at targets identified by ground and air surveillance helped the advance of the army, he opined. The myth of LTTE invincibility has been shattered and the victories were achieved with stunning rapidity, the Defence Secretary revealed.
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January - 15 
The pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net claimed that the advance by the SLA from Tharmapuram on three fronts was repulsed by the LTTE cadres killing 51 SLA soldiers and wounding 150 others in the confrontation which started in the morning of January 15. The w
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The pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net claimed that the advance by the SLA from Tharmapuram on three fronts was repulsed by the LTTE cadres killing 51 SLA soldiers and wounding 150 others in the confrontation which started in the morning of January 15. The website also claimed that the SLA artillery attack in the Kaiveali, Koampaavil and Vishvamadu areas killed five civilians, including a 14-year-old girl, and injured six others, including an eight-year-old boy.
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January - 15 
Troops of the 58th Division captured Dharmapuram, one of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) biggest townships on the Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) road and about 15 kilometres to the east of the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway, in the Mullaitivu
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Troops of the 58th Division captured Dharmapuram, one of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) biggest townships on the Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) road and about 15 kilometres to the east of the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway, in the Mullaitivu District on January 15, Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said, according to Daily News. The Security Forces (SFs) inflicted heavy casualties upon the outfit and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of six militants along with four T-56 assault rifles, an MPMG weapon, two LTTE dog tags, an I-com set, a motorcycle and other items.
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January - 16 
A minor explosion occurred in a bare land at Alwis Town in Wattala, a Colombo suburb, in the evening of January 16, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. According to Colombo Page, no loss of life or damage to property was reported. Th
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A minor explosion occurred in a bare land at Alwis Town in Wattala, a Colombo suburb, in the evening of January 16, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. According to Colombo Page, no loss of life or damage to property was reported. The Police later recovered another unexploded bomb and a suicide kit from the incident site.
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January - 16 
Heavy fighting erupted between the troops and militants in the Vishvamadu, Kulaweddidal and Mulliyaweli areas in which an unspecified number of militants were killed. The Security Forces later recovered dead bodies of seven militants along with six T
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Heavy fighting erupted between the troops and militants in the Vishvamadu, Kulaweddidal and Mulliyaweli areas in which an unspecified number of militants were killed. The Security Forces later recovered dead bodies of seven militants along with six T-56 weapons from the Vishvamadu and Kulaweddidal areas.
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January - 16 
Ruling out a general amnesty for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said on January 16 that the outfit’s chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and his chief lieutenants would be tried for crimes they had committ
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Ruling out a general amnesty for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said on January 16 that the outfit’s chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and his chief lieutenants would be tried for crimes they had committed, both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Even if they surrendered to the army, the Government would go ahead with legal proceedings, he told The Island. Rajapakse said that although ordinary LTTE cadres would be rehabilitated to facilitate their return to civilian life, the top LTTE leadership shouldn’t expect clemency. He also said Prabhakaran and Pottu Amman couldn’t be handed over to India as they had to first face charges in Sri Lanka.
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January - 16 
The 57th Division troops in the morning of January 16 took full control of the entire perimeter of the Iranamadu tank bund covering about three kilometres in the Kilinochchi District, according to Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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The 57th Division troops in the morning of January 16 took full control of the entire perimeter of the Iranamadu tank bund covering about three kilometres in the Kilinochchi District, according to Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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January - 16 
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) neutralised a LTTE camp, about one kilometre to the east of Dharmapuram.
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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) neutralised a LTTE camp, about one kilometre to the east of Dharmapuram.
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January - 16 
The troops in the afternoon of January 16 captured the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) sixth airstrip located at the eastern edge of Iranamadu tank in Mullaitivu jungles. The one kilometre long airstrip, lying parallel to the LTTE’s fifth a
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The troops in the afternoon of January 16 captured the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) sixth airstrip located at the eastern edge of Iranamadu tank in Mullaitivu jungles. The one kilometre long airstrip, lying parallel to the LTTE’s fifth airstrip within a radius of about 3.8 kilometres northwest, has been reportedly used by the outfit for their clandestine aerial surveillance and night operations, most probably the ones directed towards Anuradhapura and Colombo. The runway spreads 200 metre in width at the southern end and about 250 metre at the northern end.
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January - 17 
During the meeting between President Mahinda Rajapakse and the visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon in Colombo, Sri Lanka committed to moving on to a political resolution process after the military campaign, reports Times of India on J
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During the meeting between President Mahinda Rajapakse and the visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon in Colombo, Sri Lanka committed to moving on to a political resolution process after the military campaign, reports Times of India on January 18. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, "The foreign secretary urged early movement towards a peacefully negotiated political settlement in the island, including in the North. He reiterated the importance of a political understanding within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, wherein all communities, including the Tamil community, live in peace and dignity." Further, the Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said the Government has not discussed any kind of agreement with the Indian Foreign Secretary on a possible cease-fire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Colombo Page reported.
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January - 17 
On January 17, troops of the 59th Division clashed with militants at Puthukkudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu District and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of eight militants along with one Light Machine gun, 10 T-56 weapons, 1000 rounds of T-56 amm
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On January 17, troops of the 59th Division clashed with militants at Puthukkudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu District and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of eight militants along with one Light Machine gun, 10 T-56 weapons, 1000 rounds of T-56 ammunition, six dog tags and one I-com radio set. In a separate incident, the SFs found a boat manufacturing centre of the LTTE from the same area, reports SLA. Two dovra boats, two water jets and seven small boats were also found at the location. One more LTTE training camp built in the east of Puthukkudiyiruppu was captured by the troops. Two buildings of 40 x 20 and six buildings of 30 x 20 were among constructions found inside the training camp protected by strong bunkers including six overhead bunkers.
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January - 17 
Security Forces during fierce confrontations killed an unspecified number of LTTE militants in the area about seven kilometres north of the Muthuiyankaddukulam tank in the Mullaitivu District. During the subsequent search operation the troops recover
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Security Forces during fierce confrontations killed an unspecified number of LTTE militants in the area about seven kilometres north of the Muthuiyankaddukulam tank in the Mullaitivu District. During the subsequent search operation the troops recovered the dead bodies of 19 militants along with six T-56 weapons, two Light Machine Guns, one Rocket Propeller Grenade launcher, eight claymore mines and four hand grenades from the area.
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January - 17 
Suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants shot at and injured the private secretary to the Eastern Chief Minister, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, at Sinnathurei in the Batticaloa District.
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Suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants shot at and injured the private secretary to the Eastern Chief Minister, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, at Sinnathurei in the Batticaloa District.
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January - 17 
The Japanese Embassy in Colombo announced that the Japanese Special Peace Envoy for Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, will arrive in the country on January 21 to discuss, among other issues, the current situation, including the human rights and problems fac
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The Japanese Embassy in Colombo announced that the Japanese Special Peace Envoy for Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, will arrive in the country on January 21 to discuss, among other issues, the current situation, including the human rights and problems faced by the internally displaced people in Wanni.
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January - 17 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran may have already fled Sri Lanka with the army moving swiftly towards the outfit’s final strongholds, Army chief General Sarath Fonseka said, reports Times of India. He also pred
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran may have already fled Sri Lanka with the army moving swiftly towards the outfit’s final strongholds, Army chief General Sarath Fonseka said, reports Times of India. He also predicted victory in a matter of months as the LTTE resistance was weaker than expected. "Prabhakaran is a man who loves food, a man who loves his family, so I don't think he would wait until the military got so close to him. He must have already escaped through the sea," Fonseka told reporters on January 17. He, however, declined to speculate on where Prabhakaran would have fled to. Fonseka also said that Prabhakaran would neither commit suicide as he exhorts his followers to do with cyanide capsules worn around their necks, nor allow himself to be captured like former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. Meanwhile, Express Buzz reports that Sri Lankan troops have launched a search to arrest Prabhakaran, believed to be hiding inside a 35-meter deep bunker in Mullaitivu District, the State radio Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation said on January 17. Fonseka also said the LTTE now hold an area of 30 kilometres by 15 kilometres and said troops had marched 17 kilometres toward Mullaitivu in as many days. "When the war started, I used 50 map sheets to plan it. Now I only need one sheet to plan it," he noted.
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January - 17 
Troops of the 57th Division captured Ramanathpuram area, a heavily built up large township in the east of Kilinochchi District in the morning of January 17, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants after bei
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Troops of the 57th Division captured Ramanathpuram area, a heavily built up large township in the east of Kilinochchi District in the morning of January 17, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants after being evicted from Iranamadu and Kilinochchi withdrew to Ramanathpuram where they had already made a fortress constructing strong bunkers, training areas, command and logistic points and administrative bases. The area with a total stretch of about 20 square kilometres provided the LTTE an ideal stronghold with a wider network of roads connecting the town to Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) road in the north to Iranamadu and Kilinochchi in the west and Visuamadu in the east. The old Kandy road runs via Ramanathpuram town on the north-eastern edge of the Iranamadu tank. Troops are now conducting clearing operations in and around area. According to the military, Ramnathpuram is the second largest built up other than the Kilinochchi town in the Kilinochchi District and the town area is located about 6-10 kilometres east of the Jaffna- Kandy (A-9) road from Iranamadu, adds Colombo Page.
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January - 17 
Unidentified assailants shot dead three persons, including a civil defence force soldier, in the night of January 17 in the Muttur area of Trincomalee District, reports Colombo Page. Police said the assailants killed the victims while they were trave
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Unidentified assailants shot dead three persons, including a civil defence force soldier, in the night of January 17 in the Muttur area of Trincomalee District, reports Colombo Page. Police said the assailants killed the victims while they were travelling in a tractor. Two of the victims are believed to be farmers from the Muttur area.
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January - 18 
At least 18 civilians have been confirmed killed in troop’s artillery fire within the last 24 hours till 3:00pm (SLST) on January 18 in several villages of Mullaitivu District and the outer suburbs of Kilinochchi District to the east of Jaffna-Kandy
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At least 18 civilians have been confirmed killed in troop’s artillery fire within the last 24 hours till 3:00pm (SLST) on January 18 in several villages of Mullaitivu District and the outer suburbs of Kilinochchi District to the east of Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway, claims pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. At least 42 civilians were wounded on January 18 alone, according to the report. The dead bodies of eight civilians were recovered from Piramanthanaaru and Thearaavil areas of Kilinochchi District and Redd Barna settlement in the Mullaitivu district on January 17. At least 10 more civilians were killed and over 42 wounded on January 18.
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January - 18 
During search operations in the Kirimichchiya and Vakaneri areas of Batticaloa District, the troops recovered two hand grenades, five anti-personnel mines and one pack on January 18, according to Sri Lanka Army reports.
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During search operations in the Kirimichchiya and Vakaneri areas of Batticaloa District, the troops recovered two hand grenades, five anti-personnel mines and one pack on January 18, according to Sri Lanka Army reports.
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January - 18 
Fighter jets of the SLAF neutralised a LTTE camp south of Chundikulam.
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Fighter jets of the SLAF neutralised a LTTE camp south of Chundikulam.
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January - 18 
Latest investigations into the aircraft wreckage recovered closer to the LTTE’s sixth airstrip in the east of Iranamadu tank on January 18, contrary to what has been reported earlier, have now confirmed that those pieces belonged to a SLAF aircraft t
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Latest investigations into the aircraft wreckage recovered closer to the LTTE’s sixth airstrip in the east of Iranamadu tank on January 18, contrary to what has been reported earlier, have now confirmed that those pieces belonged to a SLAF aircraft that had crashed into the area several years ago.
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January - 18 
MI-24 helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) neutralised two LTTE camps in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts in support of advancing ground troops. The first target about four kilometres south of Mullaitivu was neutralised at around 11.
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MI-24 helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) neutralised two LTTE camps in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts in support of advancing ground troops. The first target about four kilometres south of Mullaitivu was neutralised at around 11.00am, while a LTTE mortar launching pad, about eight kilometres northeast of the Iranamadu tank, was neutralised at around 2.00pm.
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January - 18 
Officials said the morgue in Vavuniya hospital is packed with bodies of slain LTTE militants, reports Colombo Page. 31 unclaimed dead bodies are lying at the hospital morgue currently. Security Forces (SFs) have handed over another 12 LTTE dead bodie
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Officials said the morgue in Vavuniya hospital is packed with bodies of slain LTTE militants, reports Colombo Page. 31 unclaimed dead bodies are lying at the hospital morgue currently. Security Forces (SFs) have handed over another 12 LTTE dead bodies, including five of female cadres, to the hospital in the evening of January 18. Dead bodies of LTTE militants are also reportedly piling up in other hospitals in the region, including Trincomalee, Mannar and Anuradhapura. More than 75 dead bodies of militants have so far been buried with the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) last week in cemeteries of Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Mannar and Anuradhapura Districts. The ICRC resumed its transport duties on January 16 after a brief interruption due to the unavailability of security guarantee from both sides.
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January - 18 
On January 18, SFs neutralised several LTTE hideouts in the areas north of Kalmadukulam tank, west and southeast of Udayarkattikkulam tank, northwest and east of Puthukkudiyiruppu, killing an unspecified number of militants, SLA reports. Three dead b
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On January 18, SFs neutralised several LTTE hideouts in the areas north of Kalmadukulam tank, west and southeast of Udayarkattikkulam tank, northwest and east of Puthukkudiyiruppu, killing an unspecified number of militants, SLA reports. Three dead bodies of the militants along with two T-56 weapons, 1000 rounds of Multi Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, two I-com radio sets, six hand grenades and a trailer of a water browser were subsequently recovered by the troops from Puthukkudiyiruppu and Udayarkattikkulam areas.
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January - 18 
SFs attacked LTTE camps at Udayarkattikkulam in the Mullaitivu District and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with three T-56 weapons and one tractor. Clashes also erupted between the two sides in Puthukkudiyiruppu and t
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SFs attacked LTTE camps at Udayarkattikkulam in the Mullaitivu District and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with three T-56 weapons and one tractor. Clashes also erupted between the two sides in Puthukkudiyiruppu and the south of Udayarkattikkulam areas in which several LTTE militants were killed. The SFs later recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with two T-56 weapons and one I-com radio set.
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January - 18 
SFs confronted LTTE militants in the Puliyanpokkarai, east of Dharmapuram, Kandavalai and Udayarkattikkulam areas inflicting an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants. The troops later recovered dead bodies of four militants, including a
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SFs confronted LTTE militants in the Puliyanpokkarai, east of Dharmapuram, Kandavalai and Udayarkattikkulam areas inflicting an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants. The troops later recovered dead bodies of four militants, including a female cadre, along with one T-56 weapon from Puliyanpokkarai and Udayarkattikkulam areas.
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January - 18 
Task Force-11 troops in the Pirappavadduvan area recovered two T-56 weapons, one I-com radio set, 14 electric detonators, nine hand grenades, eight improvised explosive devices and 42 switches.
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Task Force-11 troops in the Pirappavadduvan area recovered two T-56 weapons, one I-com radio set, 14 electric detonators, nine hand grenades, eight improvised explosive devices and 42 switches.
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January - 18 
The 57th Division troops during clearing operations in Mullaitivu jungle where they had located the LTTE’s 6th airstrip on January 16 found wreckage of an aircraft on January 18, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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The 57th Division troops during clearing operations in Mullaitivu jungle where they had located the LTTE’s 6th airstrip on January 16 found wreckage of an aircraft on January 18, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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January - 18 
The existing Forward Defence Line of the LTTE in the south of Mullaitivu was shelled by fighter jets of the SLAF.
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The existing Forward Defence Line of the LTTE in the south of Mullaitivu was shelled by fighter jets of the SLAF.
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January - 18 
Three civilians were shot dead and three others injured by a group of unidentified assailants at the Sadatissagama jungle patch in the Buttala area of Moneragala District in the evening of January 18, reports Daily News. Senior Superintendent of Poli
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Three civilians were shot dead and three others injured by a group of unidentified assailants at the Sadatissagama jungle patch in the Buttala area of Moneragala District in the evening of January 18, reports Daily News. Senior Superintendent of Police, Ranjith Gunasekera, said herdsmen who had gone to graze their cattle were attacked by a group of assailants in Sadatissagama at around 7.00pm (SLST) killing three while injuring three others. “Another herdsman in the group is reported missing. All herdsmen were residents of the same area,” he added, “Police are investigating to ascertain whether the gunmen were LTTE cadres or gangsters operating in the area,” he said further.
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January - 18 
Troops also shot dead a militant in the Varikuttiaruwa area of Vavuniya District and later recovered a micro pistol and a cyanide capsule from his possession.
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Troops also shot dead a militant in the Varikuttiaruwa area of Vavuniya District and later recovered a micro pistol and a cyanide capsule from his possession.
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January - 18 
Troops in Mannar recovered eight APMs from the Puliyadakattu area.
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Troops in Mannar recovered eight APMs from the Puliyadakattu area.
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January - 18 
Troops in Udayarkattikkulam recovered 200 anti-personnel mines (APMs), five 81-mm mortar rounds, one water browser with a trailer, 18 huts, two anti-tank mines, one hand grenade, one booby trap and five electric detonators.
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Troops in Udayarkattikkulam recovered 200 anti-personnel mines (APMs), five 81-mm mortar rounds, one water browser with a trailer, 18 huts, two anti-tank mines, one hand grenade, one booby trap and five electric detonators.
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January - 19 
59th Division troops killed a militant in the Kokilai area of Vavuniya District and subsequently recovered a silencer weapon, two silencers, 30 rounds of T-56 ammunition, a satellite phone, six maps, three hand grenades and two packs from the area.
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59th Division troops killed a militant in the Kokilai area of Vavuniya District and subsequently recovered a silencer weapon, two silencers, 30 rounds of T-56 ammunition, a satellite phone, six maps, three hand grenades and two packs from the area.
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January - 19 
Clashes erupted between the two sides in the Puthukkudiyiruppu, Pallaikuduyiruppu and Udayarkattikkulam areas of Mullaitivu District in which an unspecified number of militants were killed. Troops also expanded their FDL in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area
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Clashes erupted between the two sides in the Puthukkudiyiruppu, Pallaikuduyiruppu and Udayarkattikkulam areas of Mullaitivu District in which an unspecified number of militants were killed. Troops also expanded their FDL in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. Subsequently, troops recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with twenty 81-mm mortar bombs, three T-56 weapons, one 20-foot container fixed with an air conditioner plant, three temporary huts, one underground bunker and an abandoned ammunition dump of the LTTE.
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January - 19 
Colombo Page reported that Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) destroyed four LTTE boats in a gun battle off the coast of Mullaitivu in the night of January 19 foiling an escape attempt by the LTTE. The Navy's Fast Attack Craft (FACs) intercepted a flotilla of Sea
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Colombo Page reported that Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) destroyed four LTTE boats in a gun battle off the coast of Mullaitivu in the night of January 19 foiling an escape attempt by the LTTE. The Navy's Fast Attack Craft (FACs) intercepted a flotilla of Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) boats launched from Mullaitivu at around 11:30pm (SLST) and fired upon them destroying four LTTE crafts and forcing the others to retreat. One SLN craft also sustained damages due to an explosion of an LTTE suicide boat close by. The SLN has a massive blockade set up around the Eastern coast to prevent senior LTTE leaders from escaping. According to SLN sources, the barricade consists of more than 25 FACs, Offshore Patrol Vessels, Gun Boats and Rapid Action Boat Squadron.
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January - 19 
On January 19, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) conducted triple aerial attacks on LTTE militants between 9.00-11.30am, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The first attack was carried out in the south of Mullaitivu at about 9.00am giving cover to 59th Divis
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On January 19, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) conducted triple aerial attacks on LTTE militants between 9.00-11.30am, reports Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The first attack was carried out in the south of Mullaitivu at about 9.00am giving cover to 59th Division troops confronting militants in their opposite direction. Two more simultaneous aerial attacks were launched on a LTTE camp in the south of Mullaitivu at about 11.30am and on another group of militants engaged in earth bund constructions, about two kilometres northwest of Piramanthalkulam in the same District.
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January - 19 
On January 19, troops clashed with the LTTE militants in the Ramanathpuram west, Pulliyanpokkuarai, Kottuwalankulam and east of Dharmapuram areas in the Kilinochchi District and inflicted heavy casualties upon the outfit. Troops later recovered dead
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On January 19, troops clashed with the LTTE militants in the Ramanathpuram west, Pulliyanpokkuarai, Kottuwalankulam and east of Dharmapuram areas in the Kilinochchi District and inflicted heavy casualties upon the outfit. Troops later recovered dead bodies of two militants along with four T-56 weapons and one Light Machine Gun from the Ramanadhapuram west and east areas. In Komankulam, troops expanded their Forward Defence Line (FDL) further and the Police recovered a 23 kilograms claymore mine and two kilograms of C-4 packets of explosives. Several soldiers also sustained injuries during these clashes.
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January - 19 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 19 that military operations in the North are not only to capture the territory held by the LTTE but also to free people in the areas under LTTE control and reinstate peace, freedom and democracy to the Tami
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 19 that military operations in the North are not only to capture the territory held by the LTTE but also to free people in the areas under LTTE control and reinstate peace, freedom and democracy to the Tamil people of the North, according to Colombo Page. Addressing a work shop at the Presidential Secretariat, he said the LTTE is now facing a certain defeat and the Government forces will capture the final rebel bastion, Mullaitivu soon.
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January - 19 
Security Forces (SFs) recovered a massive fuel stock buried in Dharmapuram town, which has been used by the LTTE as their main administrative centre after the fall of their administrative capital Kilinochchi, Military sources told Daily News.” The 58
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Security Forces (SFs) recovered a massive fuel stock buried in Dharmapuram town, which has been used by the LTTE as their main administrative centre after the fall of their administrative capital Kilinochchi, Military sources told Daily News.” The 58 Division troops now engaged in search and clear operations in Dharampuram unearthed this fuel stock with more than 300 barrels neatly buried in a coconut grove. This is the biggest ever fuel stock captured by the troops during the Wanni liberation operation”, military sources said. According to military officials, the LTTE would have collected this massive fuel stock from Non-Governmental Organisations as they were the only people who had the authority to transport fuel to un-cleared areas (area not under Government control).
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January - 19 
SFs destroyed a section of the earth bund at Chilawatta in the south of Mullaitivu and south east of Puthukuduiruppu. Separately, SFs in Chundikulam recovered two explosive laden boats in the Chundikulam area.
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SFs destroyed a section of the earth bund at Chilawatta in the south of Mullaitivu and south east of Puthukuduiruppu. Separately, SFs in Chundikulam recovered two explosive laden boats in the Chundikulam area.
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January - 19 
SFs found a massive stock of food inside Dharmapuram village during search operations conducted in the past few days. Troops also recovered a large number of LTTE maps inside the main lecture hall in Dharmapuram. ”We are recovering Tiger assets which
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SFs found a massive stock of food inside Dharmapuram village during search operations conducted in the past few days. Troops also recovered a large number of LTTE maps inside the main lecture hall in Dharmapuram. ”We are recovering Tiger assets which could not be found in Kilinochchi”, an unnamed military official said. “There are signs that the LTTE had shifted the offices and all their assets from Kilinochchi weeks ahead of its fall as large a number of name boards which had been removed from Kilinochchi were found inside Dharmapuram as it was captured in a surprise move by the 58 Division troops after advancing 16 Km to the East of Paranthan within 15 days”, he added.
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January - 19 
The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net quoted the outfit’s sources as saying that 35 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and at least 60 others wounded when the outfit’s defensive formations clashed with the SLA for 2
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The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net quoted the outfit’s sources as saying that 35 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and at least 60 others wounded when the outfit’s defensive formations clashed with the SLA for 24 hours in the North-western frontier of the LTTE-held territory till the SLA was pushed back from Neththaliyaattuppaalam on January 19. It also reported heavy fighting in the south-eastern frontier of the LTTE-held territory. The militants also claimed to have seized several arms and ammunition from the SLA in Neththaliyaaru.
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January - 19 
The troops reportedly captured one of the command bunkers used by LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in the Dharmapuram town of Mullaitivu District, adds PTI.
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The troops reportedly captured one of the command bunkers used by LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran in the Dharmapuram town of Mullaitivu District, adds PTI.
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January - 20 
15 civilians, including five children, were killed and 29 others injured during artillery fire by the troops in the Vishvamadu, Udaiyaarkaddu, Chuthanthirapuram and Maanikapuram areas of Mullaitivu District on January 20, claims pro-Liberation Tigers
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15 civilians, including five children, were killed and 29 others injured during artillery fire by the troops in the Vishvamadu, Udaiyaarkaddu, Chuthanthirapuram and Maanikapuram areas of Mullaitivu District on January 20, claims pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net.
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January - 20 
An unnamed senior military official said on January 20 that speedy moves by the Security Forces from all fronts have confined the LTTE into an area North of Paranthan–Mullaitivu (A-35) road between Dharmapuram and Mullaitivu, further shrinking the ar
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An unnamed senior military official said on January 20 that speedy moves by the Security Forces from all fronts have confined the LTTE into an area North of Paranthan–Mullaitivu (A-35) road between Dharmapuram and Mullaitivu, further shrinking the areas under the outfit’s control to less than 400 square kilometres, according to Daily News. ”The LTTE has also come under immense pressure as troops of the 58 and 57 Divisions are also poised to enter into a decisive phase of the battle in Vishvamadu with these two Divisions entering into LTTE nerve centre in Vishvamadu where LTTE is keeping innocent Tamil civilians by force”, the sources added.
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January - 20 
Dead bodies of 38 LTTE militants, including 21 female cadres, which had not been accepted by the outfit were buried in the Vavuniya cemetery in the afternoon of January 20, following a court order received by the Police January 19, reports Sri Lanka
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Dead bodies of 38 LTTE militants, including 21 female cadres, which had not been accepted by the outfit were buried in the Vavuniya cemetery in the afternoon of January 20, following a court order received by the Police January 19, reports Sri Lanka Army.
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January - 20 
Government planned to start an intercity bus service from Colombo to Jaffna shortly. A spokesman for the Transport Ministry told Daily News the Government would streamline the passenger bus service in the recaptured areas of the Northern Province wit
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Government planned to start an intercity bus service from Colombo to Jaffna shortly. A spokesman for the Transport Ministry told Daily News the Government would streamline the passenger bus service in the recaptured areas of the Northern Province with immediate effect. The spokesman said the Government would rebuild the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) road which it had taken full control of after 23 years. A passenger transport service is planned from Vavuniya to Jaffna as well. At present, the Vavuniya depot is operating buses on 19 routes in the north.
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January - 20 
Government said that not a single civilian was killed in the conflict between Government forces and the LTTE in Mullaitivu District, according to BBC. The Minister in charge of Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe, accused the BBC of carrying out 'fals
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Government said that not a single civilian was killed in the conflict between Government forces and the LTTE in Mullaitivu District, according to BBC. The Minister in charge of Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe, accused the BBC of carrying out 'false information' on civilian casualties in the battlefield in northern Sri Lanka. Samarasinghe told journalists in Colombo that the media should verify information they receive from hospitals in Wanni with health ministry officials in Colombo. Athula Kahandaliyanage, secretary to the ministry of health, pointed out that although the BBC usually contacts him, there was no call from the BBC on this particular incident. An International Committee of the Red Cross official also confirmed that not a single patient was killed in attacks, he added. Earlier on January 18, BBC quoting Paddikkudiyiruppu Hospital Medical staffs had reported that at least 18 civilians were killed during the weekend as the military continues its offensive on the northern bases of the LTTE. Hospital officials had said the number killed in fighting around Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu could be much higher.
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January - 20 
Police in the morning of January 20 arrested a suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre at Punagala in the Bandarawela area of Kandy District, reports Colombo Page. The suspect, identified as Krishna, is believed to be a ‘Police consta
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Police in the morning of January 20 arrested a suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre at Punagala in the Bandarawela area of Kandy District, reports Colombo Page. The suspect, identified as Krishna, is believed to be a ‘Police constable’ in the outfit, Police said.
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January - 20 
SFs recovered two outboard motors of 15 horse power each, one Multi Purpose Machine Gun, one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) launcher, three RPG bombs and four outboard motor oil cans during a search operation in the Jayasinghapura area of Vavuniya Di
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SFs recovered two outboard motors of 15 horse power each, one Multi Purpose Machine Gun, one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) launcher, three RPG bombs and four outboard motor oil cans during a search operation in the Jayasinghapura area of Vavuniya District.
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January - 20 
Suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants shot at two civilians who went into the jungle area at Unnachchiya in the Batticaloa District in the evening of January 20, killing one of them while injuring another, Colombo Page reported.
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Suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants shot at two civilians who went into the jungle area at Unnachchiya in the Batticaloa District in the evening of January 20, killing one of them while injuring another, Colombo Page reported.
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January - 20 
Troops of the 57th and 58th Divisions clashed with militants in the Ramanathpuram and the east of Dharmapuram areas killing an unspecified number of militants. An unspecified number of SF personnel also sustained injuries in LTTE mortar fire and expl
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Troops of the 57th and 58th Divisions clashed with militants in the Ramanathpuram and the east of Dharmapuram areas killing an unspecified number of militants. An unspecified number of SF personnel also sustained injuries in LTTE mortar fire and explosion of a booby trap in these areas. During subsequent search operations in Dharmapuram, troops recovered the dead body of one militant along with a T-56 weapon.
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January - 20 
Troops of the 59th Division and Task Force–IV attacked Liberation tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) camps in the areas east of Puthukkudiyiruppu and northeast and southeast of Mulliyaweli inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants on January 20, repor
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Troops of the 59th Division and Task Force–IV attacked Liberation tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) camps in the areas east of Puthukkudiyiruppu and northeast and southeast of Mulliyaweli inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants on January 20, reports Sri Lanka Army. Several soldiers also sustained injuries during these attacks. The Security Forces (SFs) later recovered the dead bodies of nine militants along with two T-56 weapons, one modified weapon, one belt order, three uniforms, one boot pair and one olive green colour cap from the incident site.
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January - 21 
A LTTE cadre, identified as Kulasekaram Puviraj, attempted suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule after the STF personnel attempted to arrest him in the Kalawanchikudi area.
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A LTTE cadre, identified as Kulasekaram Puviraj, attempted suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule after the STF personnel attempted to arrest him in the Kalawanchikudi area.
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January - 21 
Citing Sri Lankan military officials, the Indo Asian News Service on January 21 reported that the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) vessels detected a suspicious aircraft apparently leaving a LTTE stronghold in the Mullaitivu jungles with its lights on at around
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Citing Sri Lankan military officials, the Indo Asian News Service on January 21 reported that the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) vessels detected a suspicious aircraft apparently leaving a LTTE stronghold in the Mullaitivu jungles with its lights on at around 8.25 pm (SLST) on January 20. The aircraft leaving the area at high altitude and flying towards Chalai in Mullaitivu District where the LTTE maintains Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) bases and a suspected airstrip was fired upon by the SLN vessels. “The Israeli-built Dvora Fast Attack Crafts this time opened fire at the aircraft using long range guns but it disappeared from the sky,” an unnamed official was quoted by the news agency.
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January - 21 
Government is reportedly planning to establish three new villages to settle the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Wanni who cannot go back to their own villages due to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activities. Media Minister Laxm
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Government is reportedly planning to establish three new villages to settle the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Wanni who cannot go back to their own villages due to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activities. Media Minister Laxman Yapa Abeywardena said the Government has already allocated money for the construction work of the three villages. The villages are to be named as Ramanathan Sudandirumpura Vimukthi Gama, Arunachalam Weduthalai Vimukthi Gama and Kadiragamar Eluchci Nagar Vimukthi Gama in honour of three prominent Tamil leaders in the country. The Government hopes to provide all the needs of village life including food, schools, text books for the children, health care facilities and entertainment, for the IDPs who wish to settle in these villages.
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January - 21 January - 22
Intensive Care Unit and the surgical site of the Mullaitivu hospital, functioning as a makeshift hospital at Vallipunam school, were damaged in SLA’s artillery fire in the night of January 21 and at around 12:20 pm on January 22 in which five civilia
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Intensive Care Unit and the surgical site of the Mullaitivu hospital, functioning as a makeshift hospital at Vallipunam school, were damaged in SLA’s artillery fire in the night of January 21 and at around 12:20 pm on January 22 in which five civilians were killed within the hospital premises.
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January - 21 
MI-24 helicopter gun-ships of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) neutralised a LTTE transit camp, about one kilometre southeast of Visuamadu in the Mullaitivu District, in support of advancing troops of the Task Force–III.
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MI-24 helicopter gun-ships of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) neutralised a LTTE transit camp, about one kilometre southeast of Visuamadu in the Mullaitivu District, in support of advancing troops of the Task Force–III.
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January - 21 
Naval troops recovered one pistol, 20 rounds of .22 ammunition, 20 rounds of 9-mm ammunition and two micro cassettes during a search operation operating in the Illangathurai area of Trincomalee District on January 20.
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Naval troops recovered one pistol, 20 rounds of .22 ammunition, 20 rounds of 9-mm ammunition and two micro cassettes during a search operation operating in the Illangathurai area of Trincomalee District on January 20.
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January - 21 
Nine journalists were killed and 27 others were assaulted in Sri Lanka since January 2006, the Government said on January 21, according to Colombo Page. The chief Government whip Dinesh Gunawardena said in the Parliament that during the same period f
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Nine journalists were killed and 27 others were assaulted in Sri Lanka since January 2006, the Government said on January 21, according to Colombo Page. The chief Government whip Dinesh Gunawardena said in the Parliament that during the same period five journalists were abducted by unidentified groups in the country. But four out of them were found later, the Minister added. According to him, the Labour Minister Mervyn Silva’s name was also in the records of Cinnamon Grand Police with regard to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation attack on December 27, 2007. M.G. Nuwan Gunathilaka alias "Kudu Nuwan", a main supporter of Minister Mervyn Silva has been released on bail by the courts on the issue, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena informed the House.
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January - 21 
On January 21, the SFs continued attacking LTTE camps in the Dharmapuram, Ramanathapuram and Visuamadu south areas inflicting an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants. Several soldiers also sustained injuries in these clashes. The SFs l
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On January 21, the SFs continued attacking LTTE camps in the Dharmapuram, Ramanathapuram and Visuamadu south areas inflicting an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants. Several soldiers also sustained injuries in these clashes. The SFs later recovered the dead body of six militants, including three female cadres, along with one T-56 weapon.
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January - 21 
SLAF fighter jets shelled a LTTE camp in the Piramanthalkulam area of Kilinochchi east.
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SLAF fighter jets shelled a LTTE camp in the Piramanthalkulam area of Kilinochchi east.
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January - 21 
The Special Task Force (STF) personnel clashed with a group of Liberation tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants at Radella in the Pothuvil area of Batticaloa District on January 21, reports Sri Lanka Army. The STF personnel later recovered the dead
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The Special Task Force (STF) personnel clashed with a group of Liberation tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants at Radella in the Pothuvil area of Batticaloa District on January 21, reports Sri Lanka Army. The STF personnel later recovered the dead body of one militant along with his T-56 weapon, I-com set and 30 ammunition rounds. The combing operation was continuing in the thick jungles till last reports came in.
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January - 21 
The Special Task Force (STF) personnel confronted a group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants at Korankerny in the Thavasikulam area of Batticaloa District on January 21 killing one militant, reports Sri Lanka Army. The STF later rec
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The Special Task Force (STF) personnel confronted a group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants at Korankerny in the Thavasikulam area of Batticaloa District on January 21 killing one militant, reports Sri Lanka Army. The STF later recovered one weapon, one claymore mine of three kilograms, one detonator, one 9-V battery, one 1.5 ampere battery, cyanide capsule and one pack.
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January - 21 
The Sri Lanka Army on January 21 assigned new un-cleared area (area not under Government Control) in the Mullaitivu District as a Safe Zone and urged civilians to move into the area as soon as possible, reports Colombo Page. The Media Centre for Nati
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The Sri Lanka Army on January 21 assigned new un-cleared area (area not under Government Control) in the Mullaitivu District as a Safe Zone and urged civilians to move into the area as soon as possible, reports Colombo Page. The Media Centre for National Security said the Army has immediately demarcated an expanded Safe Zone within areas yet to be liberated and appeals those besieged civilians to move into those areas. The Safe Zone borders a four kilometers stretch of the Puthukkudiyiruppu–Paranthan (A-35) main road from Udayankattu junction to the Yellow Bridge on the south and extends northwards to Iruthumadu and Thevipuram. The demarcated area touches the A-35 road giving civilians access for easy movement. The Army has formally requested the International Committee of the Red Cross officials in Vavuniya to enlighten the trapped civilians in Wanni about the demarcation of the new Safe Zone and encourage them to seek protection within that Zone.
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January - 21 
Two persons were killed and 10 others injured when a bomb fixed to a bicycle in front of the Batticaloa Police station exploded at around 7.30am on January 21 (today), reports Sri Lanka Army. Among the killed were a Police Sergeant and one civilian w
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Two persons were killed and 10 others injured when a bomb fixed to a bicycle in front of the Batticaloa Police station exploded at around 7.30am on January 21 (today), reports Sri Lanka Army. Among the killed were a Police Sergeant and one civilian while two Policemen and eight civilians sustained injuries.
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January - 22 
11 dead bodies of the LTTE militants were handed over to the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Vavuniya and they were taken to un-cleared areas (areas not under Government control) to be delivered to the LTTE b
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11 dead bodies of the LTTE militants were handed over to the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Vavuniya and they were taken to un-cleared areas (areas not under Government control) to be delivered to the LTTE by the ICRC.
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January - 22 
40 SLA soldiers were killed and 70 others injured as the LTTE’s defensive formations put up stiff resistance against the SLA that attempted to advance through Kallaaru in the North-western front, the LTTE sources said on January 22. The militants did
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40 SLA soldiers were killed and 70 others injured as the LTTE’s defensive formations put up stiff resistance against the SLA that attempted to advance through Kallaaru in the North-western front, the LTTE sources said on January 22. The militants did not issue details on their casualties but claimed to have seized weapons in the clearing mission that followed.
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January - 22 
A prominent LTTE supporter, Prakash Shakthi Velupillai, who was posing as a journalist, was arrested at the BIA on January 22 while attempting to fly to Singapore. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said initial investigation revealed that Prakash is a ha
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A prominent LTTE supporter, Prakash Shakthi Velupillai, who was posing as a journalist, was arrested at the BIA on January 22 while attempting to fly to Singapore. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said initial investigation revealed that Prakash is a hardcore LTTE supporter. He claimed the journalist was attached to the International Federation of Journalists which had its office in Colombo 7, and was headed by a prominent journalist, adds Daily Mirror. He also warned that the LTTE militants were now attempting to infiltrate the South under the guise of being journalists
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January - 22 
According to Daily News, Military spokesman Brigadier Nanayakkara on January 22 said that 2,959 civilians had arrived in the cleared areas from the LTTE territory from January 1 to January 21.
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According to Daily News, Military spokesman Brigadier Nanayakkara on January 22 said that 2,959 civilians had arrived in the cleared areas from the LTTE territory from January 1 to January 21.
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January - 22 
Another LTTE camp complex consisting of mine factories, command and security bunkers, several huts and a few stores was found by SFs in the Udayarkattikkulam jungle west of Puthukkudiyiruppu following clashes in which several militants were killed. T
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Another LTTE camp complex consisting of mine factories, command and security bunkers, several huts and a few stores was found by SFs in the Udayarkattikkulam jungle west of Puthukkudiyiruppu following clashes in which several militants were killed. The recoveries included one damaged T-55 battle tank, 200 Improvised Explosive Devices, a large number of plastic containers, 20 landmines and a stockpile of iron bars.
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January - 22 
At least 100 persons were killed in artillery exchanges between military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the last one week, an unnamed Government official working in the area controlled by the LTTE said on January 22. "Around 30 pe
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At least 100 persons were killed in artillery exchanges between military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the last one week, an unnamed Government official working in the area controlled by the LTTE said on January 22. "Around 30 people died in the morning today. Personally I saw that nearly 100 people have died from Saturday [January 17] up to today. More than 300 have been injured," Mullaitivu District Government Agent Emelda Sukumar told Reuters. Sukumar, who spoke from Mullaitivu, is in charge of Government services in the LTTE-held area, said, "When people occupy particular places, the LTTE send shells from that area, and then army also targets the same area. So people cannot escape from the shelling." As reported earlier, the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net on January 22 claimed that 66 civilians were killed and more than 200 wounded in Sri Lanka Army’s artillery fire within the last three days in Mullaitivu District. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara denying this said, "Today we stopped firing and took 46 patients from that hospital through the Red Cross, so that kind of humanitarian operation is underway. We didn't fire into the safe zone because we wanted civilians to come." Earlier, on January 21, the military had announced a 32 square kilometers Safe Zone near Mullaitivu and dropped leaflets urging civilians to go there.
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January - 22 
Daily News reports that Police on January 22 seized 23 kilograms of C4 explosives and a cache of arms while it was being transported to Colombo by a van passing several checkpoints. Senior Superintendent of Police Ranjith Gunasekera said, "The Libera
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Daily News reports that Police on January 22 seized 23 kilograms of C4 explosives and a cache of arms while it was being transported to Colombo by a van passing several checkpoints. Senior Superintendent of Police Ranjith Gunasekera said, "The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) explosives van and arms and weapons recovered in Karadiyanarukulam, Batticaloa had been seized by police on information from an LTTE cadre who was arrested in Padukka who attempted to explode a bomb inside a bus in December. The suspect was arrested on information from a vigilant woman travelling in the same bus."
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January - 22 
During another clash that erupted between the two sides in the Therappuram area, the troops killed an unspecified number of militants. Later, the troops recovered the dead bodies of two militants from the area.
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During another clash that erupted between the two sides in the Therappuram area, the troops killed an unspecified number of militants. Later, the troops recovered the dead bodies of two militants from the area.
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January - 22 
During separate clashes between the two sides in the same area, SFs killed an unspecified number of militants. During subsequent search operations, troops recovered the dead body of one militant, three T-56 weapons, one hand grenade and one motorbike
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During separate clashes between the two sides in the same area, SFs killed an unspecified number of militants. During subsequent search operations, troops recovered the dead body of one militant, three T-56 weapons, one hand grenade and one motorbike.
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January - 22 
Following another clash in the areas west and east of Chilawatta, south and southeast of Puthukkudiyiruppu and the south of Mulliyavalai, the troops expanded their FDL in the south and the southeast of Puthukkudiyiruppu. SFs also recovered one T-56 w
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Following another clash in the areas west and east of Chilawatta, south and southeast of Puthukkudiyiruppu and the south of Mulliyavalai, the troops expanded their FDL in the south and the southeast of Puthukkudiyiruppu. SFs also recovered one T-56 weapon, two browser trailers, two light vehicles and one I-com radio set during subsequent search operations.
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January - 22 
In addition, troops in Visuamadu south attacked a canter vehicle and a motorbike of the LTTE killing or wounding militants aboard the vehicles.
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In addition, troops in Visuamadu south attacked a canter vehicle and a motorbike of the LTTE killing or wounding militants aboard the vehicles.
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January - 22 
MI-24 gunship helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted three aerial attacks on LTTE camps. While the first two attacks were conducted at around 10.45 am (SLST) and 2.30 pm on a LTTE bunker line, the third raid targeted camps about 1.5 kilomet
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MI-24 gunship helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted three aerial attacks on LTTE camps. While the first two attacks were conducted at around 10.45 am (SLST) and 2.30 pm on a LTTE bunker line, the third raid targeted camps about 1.5 kilometers east of Visuamadukulam tank bund.
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January - 22 
Police have requested public to be vigilant and take extra precautions as 14 LTTE suicide cadres have been deployed to carry out destructive missions in the South, according to Daily News. Police spokesman Gunaskera said intelligence following arrest
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Police have requested public to be vigilant and take extra precautions as 14 LTTE suicide cadres have been deployed to carry out destructive missions in the South, according to Daily News. Police spokesman Gunaskera said intelligence following arrest of several LTTE suspects in the South have revealed that 16 LTTE cadres have been deployed to carry out suicide missions in the South. Two of the 16 missions have been accomplished and there are14 remaining. Recalling the series of bomb blasts carried out by the LTTE in the South during January-February 2008, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the public should be alert and pay extra attention in the coming days as the country is preparing to celebrate Independence Day (February 4). He also said that the latest ruse adopted by the LTTE is to manufacture claymore mines covered with fibre glass resembling milestones, adds The Island. "Tigers are adopting every conceivable method to deceive the troops but they are not taking any chances," he added.
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January - 22 
Reuters reports that the United Nations (UN) said on January 22 that the LTTE had violated international law for refusing to allow local staff and their families to leave Sri Lanka's war zone. The UN in Sri Lanka in a statement said it had "issued it
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Reuters reports that the United Nations (UN) said on January 22 that the LTTE had violated international law for refusing to allow local staff and their families to leave Sri Lanka's war zone. The UN in Sri Lanka in a statement said it had "issued its strongest possible protest to the LTTE for their refusal to allow U.N. national staff and dependents" to leave the war zone in a convoy." The LTTE's denial of safe passage is a clear abrogation of their obligations under international humanitarian law," the statement said, adding that the convoy had been stuck in the war zone since January 16. Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that around 230,000 people have been displaced due to the fighting during the second half of 2008. Since early October UN convoys have brought approximately 7,000 tons of vital food and relief supplies to displaced population, OCHA added.
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January - 22 
SFs advancing towards Mullaitivu along the southernmost tiny islet of the Chundikulam strip confronted a pocket of LTTE militants at the Jaffna-Mullaitivu District inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants. Troops later recovered the dead bodies
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SFs advancing towards Mullaitivu along the southernmost tiny islet of the Chundikulam strip confronted a pocket of LTTE militants at the Jaffna-Mullaitivu District inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants. Troops later recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with one 37 feet long Dovra-type sea craft, one unicorn vehicle, three T-56 weapons and several packs.
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January - 22 
SFs expanded their Forward Defence Line (FDL) in Visuamadu by entering its western border.
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SFs expanded their Forward Defence Line (FDL) in Visuamadu by entering its western border.
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January - 22 
SFs found two LTTE mine factories and one earth moving backhoe at Udayarkattikkulam tank in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. Chemicals, explosives and other metal items, metal balls, batteries, detonator codes, flexible wires, explosive powders, gas cylin
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SFs found two LTTE mine factories and one earth moving backhoe at Udayarkattikkulam tank in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. Chemicals, explosives and other metal items, metal balls, batteries, detonator codes, flexible wires, explosive powders, gas cylinders etc. were also found from inside these factories while one toppled browser trailer was found nearby. Troops also found one earth moving backhoe machine used by the LTTE for their warfare constructions on the north of the tank.
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January - 22 
SFs recovered one T-81 weapon and abandoned ammunition dump from Udayarkattikkulam.
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SFs recovered one T-81 weapon and abandoned ammunition dump from Udayarkattikkulam.
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January - 22 
The 58th Division troops clashed with LTTE militants in the Visuamadu area of Mullaitivu District and killed an unspecified number of them. During subsequent search operations, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered dead bodies of four militants along w
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The 58th Division troops clashed with LTTE militants in the Visuamadu area of Mullaitivu District and killed an unspecified number of them. During subsequent search operations, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered dead bodies of four militants along with six tractors, one bulldozer and one road roller from the area, Sri Lanka Army reported.
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January - 22 
The International Committee of the Red Cross secured the release of an Army Lance Corporal, A.D.M.S. Pushpa Kumara, kept in detention by the LTTE, from the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu District.
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The International Committee of the Red Cross secured the release of an Army Lance Corporal, A.D.M.S. Pushpa Kumara, kept in detention by the LTTE, from the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu District.
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January - 22 
The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net on January 22 claimed that 66 civilians were killed and more than 200 wounded in Sri Lanka Army’s (SLA) artillery fire within the last three days in Mullaitivu District. While 16 civil
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The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net on January 22 claimed that 66 civilians were killed and more than 200 wounded in Sri Lanka Army’s (SLA) artillery fire within the last three days in Mullaitivu District. While 16 civilians were killed on January 20, 20 others died on January 21 and around 30 more were killed within the past 12 hours of January 22, according to the Regional Director of Health Service (under the LTTE administration) for Mullaitivu District Dr. Varatharajah.
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January - 22 
Troops captured a huge (80 x 40) secret underground operation room in the Dharmapuram area.
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Troops captured a huge (80 x 40) secret underground operation room in the Dharmapuram area.
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January - 22 
Troops clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the areas south of Mullaitivu and Puthukkudiyiruppu and captured one LTTE bunker and earth bund on January 22, Sri Lanka Army reported. During subsequent search operations,
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Troops clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the areas south of Mullaitivu and Puthukkudiyiruppu and captured one LTTE bunker and earth bund on January 22, Sri Lanka Army reported. During subsequent search operations, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered dead bodies of five militants along with six T-56 weapons from these areas.
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January - 22 
Troops conducted a search operation in the Komankulam area of Vavuniya and recovered 750 grams of explosives, one electronic detonator, 10 metres of flexible wire, 43 hand grenades, 26 Arul type mortar bombs, one Rocket Propeller Grenade bomb, ten 81
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Troops conducted a search operation in the Komankulam area of Vavuniya and recovered 750 grams of explosives, one electronic detonator, 10 metres of flexible wire, 43 hand grenades, 26 Arul type mortar bombs, one Rocket Propeller Grenade bomb, ten 81-mm mortar bombs and ten 60-mm mortar bombs.
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January - 22 
Upali Tennekoon, Editor of the weekend publication Rivira, and his wife were assaulted and stabbed by unidentified assailants near Imbulgoda in Colombo, 200 metres away from his residence, in the morning of January 22 when he was driving to work, rep
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Upali Tennekoon, Editor of the weekend publication Rivira, and his wife were assaulted and stabbed by unidentified assailants near Imbulgoda in Colombo, 200 metres away from his residence, in the morning of January 22 when he was driving to work, reports Daily News. Rivira newspaper has a political orientation sympathetic to the Government and is supportive of the Security Forces action in Wanni.
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January - 23 
Daily Mirror that rumours were afloat in Tamil Nadu (southern Indian State) that Prabhakaran had crossed the Palk Strait to India to recuperate from wounds inflicted by the Sri Lanka Army. The Tamil Nadu State police refused to comment on rumours tha
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Daily Mirror that rumours were afloat in Tamil Nadu (southern Indian State) that Prabhakaran had crossed the Palk Strait to India to recuperate from wounds inflicted by the Sri Lanka Army. The Tamil Nadu State police refused to comment on rumours that a seriously wounded Prabhakaran may have been moved to Tamil Nadu. However, following the rumours, the Tamil Nadu Government has ordered the law and order machinery to check all hospitals across the state for persons with unexplained wounds.
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January - 23 
Five civilians, including a 10-year-old girl and a 56-year-old priest, were killed when the SLA fired artillery shells targeted Safe Zone areas such as Iruddumadu, Udaiyaarkaddu and Vallipunam in the Mullaitivu district at least four times on January
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Five civilians, including a 10-year-old girl and a 56-year-old priest, were killed when the SLA fired artillery shells targeted Safe Zone areas such as Iruddumadu, Udaiyaarkaddu and Vallipunam in the Mullaitivu district at least four times on January 23, according to medical sources in the region, Tamil Net reported.
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January - 23 
Japanese special peace envoy Yasushi Akashi, who is on visit to Sri Lanka, on January 23 said, “I believe an environment in which all could live in peace and harmony in the near future will dawn in Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Mahinda
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Japanese special peace envoy Yasushi Akashi, who is on visit to Sri Lanka, on January 23 said, “I believe an environment in which all could live in peace and harmony in the near future will dawn in Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.” Akashi during his meeting with President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees said his Government would provide its maximum support to Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop the North as large-scale development projects were implemented in the East. Akashi expressed his satisfaction at the efforts undertaken by the Government to safeguard the civilian population in the north. He expressed his confidence in the All Party Representative Committee as a viable mechanism through which to bring about devolution of power and to build a pluralistic Sri Lankan society. He stated that Japan was fully conscious of the Sri Lanka Government’s commitment to finding a political solution to the conflict, and expressed the hope that the political process would continue. Referring to the concerns expressed by the international community, Akashi emphasised that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should not be allowed to use civilians as a human shield.
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January - 23 
LTTE media spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan has been placed under arrest by the Tigers, according to Army intelligence, reports The Island. Sarath Fonseka said Ilanthirayan had attempted to desert the LTTE and surrender to the Army, but on his way to th
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LTTE media spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan has been placed under arrest by the Tigers, according to Army intelligence, reports The Island. Sarath Fonseka said Ilanthirayan had attempted to desert the LTTE and surrender to the Army, but on his way to the Government controlled area he had been caught and imprisoned by the LTTE on order from the leadership. Fonseka said several other LTTE cadres were being prevented from surrendering to Security Forces. He said about 3,000 civilians were being detained as a human shield at LTTE leader Prabhakaran’s hideout, but he expected those civilians to defy the LTTE and travel to the Army controlled areas.
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January - 23 
Malaysia has sounded an alert for Prabhakaran after reports that he may have entered the country as Sri Lankan troops were closing in on his remaining stronghold of Mullaitivu, PTI reported. Police chief Musa Hassan said he had ordered a nationwide a
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Malaysia has sounded an alert for Prabhakaran after reports that he may have entered the country as Sri Lankan troops were closing in on his remaining stronghold of Mullaitivu, PTI reported. Police chief Musa Hassan said he had ordered a nationwide alert following reports that Prabhakaran may have fled here or to Thailand, a media report said on January 22. "If Prabhakaran is not here, my men will be monitoring all entry points into the country to ensure he does not enter," Musa told The New Straits Times. "We are also using our local intelligence network to ascertain if he is already in the country," he said. The action by the Malaysian police follows the Sri Lankan Army chief Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka's comments that Prabhakaran might have fled the country.
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January - 23 
On January 23, the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted three air attacks on identified LTTE camps in the Mullaitivu District. The Fighter jets first shelled the LTTE earth bund south of Mullaitivu town at around 6.30 am (SLST). About three hours after the
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On January 23, the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted three air attacks on identified LTTE camps in the Mullaitivu District. The Fighter jets first shelled the LTTE earth bund south of Mullaitivu town at around 6.30 am (SLST). About three hours after the first aerial attack, the MI-24 helicopter gun ships neutralised LTTE camp east of Visuamadukulam. Again, MI-24s bombed another LTTE camps in the northeast of Thalwatukulam. These aerial attacks were conducted in support of the troops of the 57th and 59th Divisions and the Task Force-II.
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January - 23 
Police on January 23 arrested a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militant who was deported from Malaysia for overstaying at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo. Senior Superintendent of Police Ranjith Gunasekera said the Ka
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Police on January 23 arrested a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militant who was deported from Malaysia for overstaying at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo. Senior Superintendent of Police Ranjith Gunasekera said the Katunayake Police arrested four suspects on information from a civilian in the BIA at around 12.15 pm (SLST). "The informant suspecting one of the four who was very similar in description to the Wattala suicide bomber, informed Katunayake police," he said, adding, "Following interrogation, it was affirmed that one of the suspects was a former Tiger cadre and his LTTE name was Jeeva Kumaran (3165). He joined the LTTE outfit in 2001 and has received training at the LTTE, Tora Bora camp. Jeevan left the country seeking employment in Malaysia in 2005." The four suspects, including two Sinhalese, a Tamil and a Muslim, were deported from Malaysia.
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January - 23 
SLA fired artillery and Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher shells targeting Tamil refugees in temporary settlements of Mullaitivu district killing three civilians and injuring 33 others, the Website added.
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SLA fired artillery and Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher shells targeting Tamil refugees in temporary settlements of Mullaitivu district killing three civilians and injuring 33 others, the Website added.
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January - 23 
Sri Lanka’s donor group Co-chairs – the United States, European Union, Norway and Japan -- while backing the ongoing humanitarian operations are in constant touch with the Government with the common objective of bringing a speedy solution to the ethn
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Sri Lanka’s donor group Co-chairs – the United States, European Union, Norway and Japan -- while backing the ongoing humanitarian operations are in constant touch with the Government with the common objective of bringing a speedy solution to the ethnic conflict, the Foreign Affairs Minister said on January 23, according to Daily Mirror. “We are continuously briefing the US, the EU, Norway and Japan through our missions in these countries and their representatives in Colombo on the humanitarian operations in the North. They are keen to see the start of the flow of development aid once normalcy is restored in the North,” Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said. He said the Sri Lankan government was never pressured either by India or the Co-chairs to halt humanitarian operations as they understood the situation.
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January - 23 
Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) leader and the Member of Parliament Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan said on January 23 that the Government would put an end to the child soldiers’ issue in the Eastern Province within the next three months und
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Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) leader and the Member of Parliament Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan said on January 23 that the Government would put an end to the child soldiers’ issue in the Eastern Province within the next three months under a joint agreement signed by the Government, UNICEF and the TMVP. “According to the agreement, we have to finish the entire task of rehabilitating child soldiers within three months. We have already done a lot for the welfare of these children,” he told a media briefing at the Parliamentary complex. Muraleetharan said the TMVP handed over 14 underage cadres to the new Child Welfare Office opened in Batticaloa on January 22. The TMVP will hand over another 20 cadres within the next two weeks. The TMVP does not have any child soldiers at present. The TMVP in collaboration with the Government and the UNICEF has arranged a rehabilitation program for the welfare of these children. A new Child Welfare Office was also opened in the Government Agents office, Batticaloa for the welfare of these children. After these children are rehabilitated, they can join the Army, go abroad or join the society, he said. Muraleetharan said, “The TMVP does not have any of its own Armed Force as the Government has provided adequate security to all TMVP representatives. Earlier we had a small force of our own security.” The TMVP is working closely with the Government and the UNICEF to rehabilitate the children. The Government has done much for the welfare of these children. In addition, the UNICEF has also arranged a series of programs for the benefit of these children, he said. Philippe Duamelle said the Government and the TMVP has made a firm commitment to put an end to the child soldier issue. Concrete action has been taken on this issue under the new agreement signed on December 7, 2008, Duamelle said.
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January - 23 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on January 23 called on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to release thousands of civilians including as many as 75,000 children entrapped in the war zone along with nearly 100 child soldiers recr
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on January 23 called on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to release thousands of civilians including as many as 75,000 children entrapped in the war zone along with nearly 100 child soldiers recruited by the outfit, reports Colombo Page. Philip Duamelle, the Sri Lanka resident representative to the UNICEF said the situation in the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka is worrisome, with thousands of civilians entrapped in the battle fields and used as human shields. Duamelle said the UNICEF was deeply concerned about the children trapped in conflict areas and those serving as underage combatants within LTTE ranks. "We are very concerned of the situation in Wanni as large numbers of children are trapped in a small area without proper access to shelter and food. The LTTE must realise the situation and I call upon them to release these people,” he said.
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January - 23 
Troops in the Jayasinghepura area of Vavuniya District recovered one T-56 weapon, four magazines, one 120 rounds of live ammunition, four hand grenades, two cyanide capsules and one belt order.
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Troops in the Jayasinghepura area of Vavuniya District recovered one T-56 weapon, four magazines, one 120 rounds of live ammunition, four hand grenades, two cyanide capsules and one belt order.
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January - 23 
Velupillai Prabhakaran, the elusive leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), is still hiding in the jungles in northern Sri Lanka, his former deputy and leader of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetha
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Velupillai Prabhakaran, the elusive leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), is still hiding in the jungles in northern Sri Lanka, his former deputy and leader of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias Karuna told reporters on January 23, according to Colombo Page. 'It will be difficult for him (Prabhakaran) to survive, now that the army is after him,' he said, adding that the LTTE leader might be hiding in the jungles in the north.
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January - 24 
12 civilians killed were killed and 87 wounded as Sri Lanka Army (SLA) continues artillery attack on Safety Zone in the Udaiyaarkaddu area of Mullaitivu District on January 24, reported pro- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net.
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12 civilians killed were killed and 87 wounded as Sri Lanka Army (SLA) continues artillery attack on Safety Zone in the Udaiyaarkaddu area of Mullaitivu District on January 24, reported pro- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net.
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January - 24 
LTTE blew up the Kalmadukulam tank bund in the Visuamadu area of Mullaitivu District in the afternoon of January 24, according to Sri Lanka Army reports. Due to the explosion a section of Paranthan-Pooneryn (A-35) main got flooded. In addition, small
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LTTE blew up the Kalmadukulam tank bund in the Visuamadu area of Mullaitivu District in the afternoon of January 24, according to Sri Lanka Army reports. Due to the explosion a section of Paranthan-Pooneryn (A-35) main got flooded. In addition, small groups of militants onboard five small boats made an abortive attempt to infiltrate the area held by the 574 brigade troops along the flooded cannels. However troops opened fire and completely destroyed three of the boats and partially damaged the other two. An unspecified number of militants were killed in the incident.
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January - 24 
On January 24, the 57th Division troops advancing from the west of Visuamadu continuously assaulted LTTE camps in the Puliyanpokkarai area and inflicted heavy casualties upon the militants. During subsequent search operation conducted later, the SFs
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On January 24, the 57th Division troops advancing from the west of Visuamadu continuously assaulted LTTE camps in the Puliyanpokkarai area and inflicted heavy casualties upon the militants. During subsequent search operation conducted later, the SFs recovered the dead body of one militant along with three T-56 weapons.
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January - 24 
Police acting on a tip-off recovered five hand grenades and 146 rounds of T-56 ammunition from the Pushpangeadi area of Trincomalee District on January 24, reported Sri Lanka Army.
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Police acting on a tip-off recovered five hand grenades and 146 rounds of T-56 ammunition from the Pushpangeadi area of Trincomalee District on January 24, reported Sri Lanka Army.
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January - 24 
The troops recovered 85 anti-personnel mines and 28 hand grenades from the Mankulam and Visuamadu areas. In another search operation in the Kanakarayankulam area the SFs recovered one claymore mine weighing about 10 kilograms, 5 metre detonator code,
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The troops recovered 85 anti-personnel mines and 28 hand grenades from the Mankulam and Visuamadu areas. In another search operation in the Kanakarayankulam area the SFs recovered one claymore mine weighing about 10 kilograms, 5 metre detonator code, six kilograms of explosives and 8019 rounds of T-56 ammunition.
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January - 24 
Troops continued their attacks on LTTE camps in the Udayarkattikkulam and Puthukudirippu areas of Mullaitivu District causing inflicting heavy casualties among the militants, Sri Lanka Army reported. The Security Forces (SFs) later recovered the dead
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Troops continued their attacks on LTTE camps in the Udayarkattikkulam and Puthukudirippu areas of Mullaitivu District causing inflicting heavy casualties among the militants, Sri Lanka Army reported. The Security Forces (SFs) later recovered the dead body of LTTE militants from Udayarkattikkulam area along with three T-56 weapons and the dead body of one militant along with a T-56 weapon from the Puthukudirippu area. They also captured an LTTE camp complex consisting of 12 buildings, one monument, a toilet block, a cook house, a water container and a pump house in the Puthukudirippu area. During a search conducted in the captured camp the troops recovered three water tank foils, two barrels with 210 litre capacity each, one barrel containing 240 litres of petrol, two five litre four tonnes oil canes, two barrels of 210 litre capacity each containing kerosene oil and two canes of five litre capacity containing two tonnes oil from it.
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January - 25 
59th Division troops confronted LTTE militants in the area south of Mullaitivu and expanded their FDL (Forward Defence Line) further.
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59th Division troops confronted LTTE militants in the area south of Mullaitivu and expanded their FDL (Forward Defence Line) further.
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January - 25 
At least 22 civilians were killed and 60 others wounded as SLA continued artillery shelling in various localities, including Chuthanthirapuram, Udaiyaarkaddu and Thearaavil in Vishvamadu, inside the 'safety zone' throughout January 25, the pro-LTTE W
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At least 22 civilians were killed and 60 others wounded as SLA continued artillery shelling in various localities, including Chuthanthirapuram, Udaiyaarkaddu and Thearaavil in Vishvamadu, inside the 'safety zone' throughout January 25, the pro-LTTE Website Tami Net claimed.
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January - 25 
On January 25, troops clashed with the LTTE militants in the Visuamadukulam, south of Puliyanpokkarai, east of Dharmapuram and southeast of Puliyanpokkarai areas and killed an unspecified number of militants, reports Sri Lanka Army. During subsequent
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On January 25, troops clashed with the LTTE militants in the Visuamadukulam, south of Puliyanpokkarai, east of Dharmapuram and southeast of Puliyanpokkarai areas and killed an unspecified number of militants, reports Sri Lanka Army. During subsequent search operations, the troops recovered dead bodies of seven militants along with four T-56 weapons and one Multi Purpose Machine Gun from these areas.
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January - 25 
Security Forces (SFs) operating in the northeast of Udayarkattukulam tank clashed with the LTTE militants and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with five mortar launchers, two T-56 weapons, three underground oil tanks
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Security Forces (SFs) operating in the northeast of Udayarkattukulam tank clashed with the LTTE militants and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with five mortar launchers, two T-56 weapons, three underground oil tanks and one I-com radio set from the area.
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January - 25 
SFs recovered two T-56 weapons and one Improvised Explosive Device in Mullaitivu. Extensive search operations in and around Mullaitivu town are underway, added another report. A day earlier, the SFs captured the LTTE earth bund constructed in the no
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SFs recovered two T-56 weapons and one Improvised Explosive Device in Mullaitivu. Extensive search operations in and around Mullaitivu town are underway, added another report. A day earlier, the SFs captured the LTTE earth bund constructed in the northwest of Puthukudiyirippu and later recovered one T-56 weapon, one Global Positioning System and one compass.
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January - 25 
The Security Forces (SFs) now engaged in the final battle against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Mullaitivu District achieved one of the major victories in the afternoon of January 25 after 59th Division troops captured the Mullai
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The Security Forces (SFs) now engaged in the final battle against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Mullaitivu District achieved one of the major victories in the afternoon of January 25 after 59th Division troops captured the Mullaitivu Town, the LTTE’s most prestigious military stronghold in the Eastern coast, military officials told Daily News. The troops entered Mullaitivu by 1 pm (SLST). Earlier, on January 23, the 59th Division made a major breakthrough in their battle to capture Mullaitivu with the capture of the earth bund located four kilometres south of Mullaitivu centre. “The LTTE strongly held this defence line in the North of Alampil even after 59 Division troops captured Mulliyavalai and Thanniattu towns located on the Mullaitivu-Oddusudan A-35 road”, military officials added. The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets and MI 24 helicopter gun ships gave strong support for the ground troops to capture this earth bund to open the gateway of Mullaitivu. Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka announced this victory to the nation in the evening in a special message telecast live. “The Tiger stronghold of Mullaitivu fell under Security Forces control after 13 years with the 59 Division troops under the command of Brigadier Nandana Udawatta entering this strategic stronghold last afternoon”, military officials said. Mullaitivu was among the most prestigious and strategically important townships such as Kilinochchi, Paranthan, Pooneryn and Elephant Pass, the LTTE had controlled during the two and half decades long conflict. The LTTE has lost all these strongholds within the past two months with the fall of Pooneryn on November 15, 2008. The Army last controlled this isolated Army camp located in Mullaitivu in 1996 and it was overrun by the LTTE on July 18, 1996 which went down in military history as one of the major debacles losing a large haul of weapons including long range artillery and mortars and more than 1,000 soldiers. The SFs which commenced military operations to liberate the Wanni in February 2007 launched the 59th offensive Division under the command of Brigadier Nandana Udawatta in January 2008 from Welioya with the objective of liberating Mullaitivu from the LTTE. It achieved this major victory after capturing the entire Mullaitivu jungle, including the Nitthikaikulam, Thanimurkkuulam, LTTE’s 14 Base complex, Nayaru, Kumulamunai, Alampil and Mulliyavalai areas. With the capture of Mullaitivu which was famous as one of the strongest Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) bases, the LTTE has now been confined to 280 square Kilometres of territory in the Puthukuduiruppu and Visuamadu areas. The LTTE is also on the verge of losing Puthukuduiruppu junction and the road stretch of the A-35 between Visuamadu and Puthukuduiruppu as troops attached to Task Force II, Task Force III and Task Force IV were poised to capture the road further confining the LTTE to North of the Puthukuduiruppu and Vishvamadu areas with six offensive Divisions surrounding this territory from the West, South and East as of January 25-evening.
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January - 25 
The SFs clashed with the LTTE militants in the Visuamadukulam and south of Puthukkudiyiruppu areas in the Mullaitivu District. During subsequent search and clear operations the troops recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with five T-56
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The SFs clashed with the LTTE militants in the Visuamadukulam and south of Puthukkudiyiruppu areas in the Mullaitivu District. During subsequent search and clear operations the troops recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with five T-56 weapons, 17 hand grenades, three communication sets, one claymore mine and one detonator from the Visuamadukulam area. Another dead body of a LTTE militant along with one T-56 weapon, one barrel of sulphuric acid, 4000 electric detonators, 300 packs each containing 500 grams of explosives, 20 cans containing TNT explosives, 75 bags of sodium bicarbonate each weighing 50 kilograms and 50 empty boxes, three empty containers, two candles containers, 400 plastic chairs, three damaged armoured vehicles, one Johnny mines factory and one claymore mines factory was recovered from the Puthukkudiyiruppu area.
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January - 25 
Troops of the Task Force-II confronted groups of LTTE militants in the Udayarkattikkulam area and killed an unspecified number of militants. Subsequently, the SFs recovered the dead body of one militant along with one motor-bike, an under ground fuel
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Troops of the Task Force-II confronted groups of LTTE militants in the Udayarkattikkulam area and killed an unspecified number of militants. Subsequently, the SFs recovered the dead body of one militant along with one motor-bike, an under ground fuel tank of 15 feet x 10 feet and one T-56 weapon from the area.
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January - 26 
A trial began on January 26 against four men charged with trying to supply missiles and assault weapons to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according to Daily News. The Sri Lankan immigrants have been charged with terrorism because the LT
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A trial began on January 26 against four men charged with trying to supply missiles and assault weapons to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according to Daily News. The Sri Lankan immigrants have been charged with terrorism because the LTTE is a designated terrorist organization in US. The Federal Bureau of Investigation engineered a sting in which three of the men drove from Canada to New York City in 2006 to meet with undercover agents posing as black-market arms dealers. Prosecutors said the men were caught on tape agreeing to buy 10 surface-to-air missiles and 500 rifles for $ 900,000. US authorities said the three men were on a secret mission to help the LTTE by buying hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of surface-to-air missiles and smuggling them into Sri Lanka. The three men, identified as Sathajhan Sarachandran, Sahilal Sabaratnam and Thiruthanikan Thanigasalam, who had been living in Canada, along with the fourth one, were jailed without bail after pleading not guilty. Each of them could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
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January - 26 
Colombo High Court reissued an arrest warrant for the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, head of LTTE intelligence wing Pottu Amman and two senior members of the outfit, Charles Master and Komadee Manimekala, in connection with the assassination of f
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Colombo High Court reissued an arrest warrant for the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, head of LTTE intelligence wing Pottu Amman and two senior members of the outfit, Charles Master and Komadee Manimekala, in connection with the assassination of former foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, who was killed by a LTTE sniper at his residence in Colombo on August 12, 2005.
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January - 26 
Colombo Page reports that Sri Lanka health unions on January 26 urged the Government and International Committee of Red Cross to intervene to get the health workers who are currently in LTTE custody released. Saman Rathnapriya, chairman of the All Ce
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Colombo Page reports that Sri Lanka health unions on January 26 urged the Government and International Committee of Red Cross to intervene to get the health workers who are currently in LTTE custody released. Saman Rathnapriya, chairman of the All Ceylon Health Service Union, said there are nearly 100 health workers being held captive at various places in Mullaitivu.
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January - 26 
More than 300 people were killed and several hundreds injured when the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) fired artillery shells inside the Safety Zone declared by the Colombo Government within the last 24 hours, the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Web
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More than 300 people were killed and several hundreds injured when the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) fired artillery shells inside the Safety Zone declared by the Colombo Government within the last 24 hours, the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net claimed. Most of the shells exploded in the area three kilometers between Vallipunam Kaali temple and Moongkilaaru towards Paranthan road.
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January - 26 
On January 26, clashes erupted between the two sides in the Udayankattu, Kurevilkulam, Visuamadu and surrounding areas in which an unspecified number of militants were killed. The SFs later recovered the dead body of one militant along with one T-56
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On January 26, clashes erupted between the two sides in the Udayankattu, Kurevilkulam, Visuamadu and surrounding areas in which an unspecified number of militants were killed. The SFs later recovered the dead body of one militant along with one T-56 weapon, one magazine, one Multi Purpose Machine Gun and several LTTE items.
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January - 26 
The Government on January 26 informed the Appeal Courts that it has decided to cancel the radio license given to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reported Colombo Page. The Attorney General informed this decision to the Appeal Courts when
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The Government on January 26 informed the Appeal Courts that it has decided to cancel the radio license given to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reported Colombo Page. The Attorney General informed this decision to the Appeal Courts when the petition challenging the LTTE radio license was heard. The petition was submitted a few months ago by Piyasena Dissanayake who argued that the radio license is illegal as the LTTE is a proscribed organization in the country. The case is to be taken for hearing again on February 2.
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January - 26 
The Government, meanwhile on January 26, banned the Voice of Tigers (VoT), the so-called official radio of the LTTE, Director General of the Media Center for the National Security, Lakshman Hulugalle, told The Island. A special gazette was issued on
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The Government, meanwhile on January 26, banned the Voice of Tigers (VoT), the so-called official radio of the LTTE, Director General of the Media Center for the National Security, Lakshman Hulugalle, told The Island. A special gazette was issued on January 27, he said. The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) had terminated the broadcast license granted to the VoT by the Media Ministry of the last Government under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The TRC Chairman, Priyantha Kariyapperuma, told The Island that following the outfit’s proscription, the ban of their radio was mandatory.
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January - 26 
United Nations (UN) said that dozens of civilians have been killed or injured in fighting between troops and the LTTE in the north-east in the past few days. UN spokesman Gordon Weiss told BBC that shells exploded very close to civilian areas in Mull
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United Nations (UN) said that dozens of civilians have been killed or injured in fighting between troops and the LTTE in the north-east in the past few days. UN spokesman Gordon Weiss told BBC that shells exploded very close to civilian areas in Mullaitivu District, adding, "The shells landed on the A35 road inside the no-fire zone declared by the army. Some shells landed close to a local UN office. Many civilians have been killed or injured. Our staff members witnessed the death of civilians. But we cannot determine where the fire came from." Another UN spokesman, the resident coordinator Neil Buhne, told Associated Press, "There have been many civilians killed over the last two days. It's really a crisis now." However, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told BBC that the Army had no need to fire at civilian areas and strongly denied allegations that the military was responsible for the attacks.
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January - 27 
According to Colombo Page, the ICRC said a major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the North as civilians are caught in the crossfire between the Army and LTTE. In a statement released on January 27, the ICRC said hundreds of people have been kille
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According to Colombo Page, the ICRC said a major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the North as civilians are caught in the crossfire between the Army and LTTE. In a statement released on January 27, the ICRC said hundreds of people have been killed and scores of wounded are crowded in ill-equipped and understaffed medical facilities in the North. "People are being caught in the crossfire, hospitals and ambulances have been hit by shelling and several aid workers have been injured while evacuating the wounded. The violence is preventing the ICRC from operating in the region," said Jacques de Maio, the ICRC head of operations for South Asia, in Geneva. According to the ICRC, an estimated 250000 people are trapped in a 250 square-kilometre area and they are in need of protection, medical care and basic assistance. "It's high time to take decisive action and stop further bloodshed because time is running out," de Maio said. The ICRC urgently appealed to both sides to allow and facilitate the safe and voluntary movement of civilians out of the combat zone. The ICRC, the only international aid agency to remain permanently in Wanni, said they are determined to stay as long as possible in Wanni, but the parties must respect its presence and its work. In response to the crisis, the ICRC is stepping up its support for Puthukkudiyiruppu Hospital in Wanni, the statement added.
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January - 27 
Commander of the 59th Division, Brigadier Nandana Udawatta, said on January 27 that troops advancing from the north of Mullaitivu town succeeded in capturing a stretch of two kilometres amidst stiff resistance by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
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Commander of the 59th Division, Brigadier Nandana Udawatta, said on January 27 that troops advancing from the north of Mullaitivu town succeeded in capturing a stretch of two kilometres amidst stiff resistance by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according to Daily News. He added that the Security Forces (SFs) are advancing towards Puthukuduiruppu. Troops operating in Mullaitivu town also recovered a LTTE defence line which consisted of a massive earth bund and a ditch.
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January - 27 
Daily News reports that Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry Secretary Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha on January 27 said over 6000 civilians have arrived to the No War Zone declared by the Government since January 22. The Government declared a no wa
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Daily News reports that Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry Secretary Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha on January 27 said over 6000 civilians have arrived to the No War Zone declared by the Government since January 22. The Government declared a no war zone to facilitate civilians in uncleared to enter cleared areas.
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January - 27 
Government said on January 27 that a manhunt was on for Prabhakaran and if captured alive he would not be extradited to India but first tried in Sri Lanka on charges of crimes committed by him. Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told Daily Mirror
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Government said on January 27 that a manhunt was on for Prabhakaran and if captured alive he would not be extradited to India but first tried in Sri Lanka on charges of crimes committed by him. Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told Daily Mirror that despite an Indian Government request for the extradition of Prabhakaran to stand trial for the killing of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Prabhakaran would be first tried in Sri Lanka where there was a 200-year sentence for his involvement in the Central Bank bombing. He said the Government had asked Malaysia and India to hand over Prabhakaran to Sri Lanka if he was caught in either of those countries. He said the Government was certain that the Prabhakaran was still in hiding in some section of the un-cleared area (area not under Government control) in Mullaitivu and a manhunt was in operation to capture him.
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January - 27 
In addition, SFs clashed with the militants in the Mulliyaweli, Puthukkudiyiruppu and Mullaitivu suburbs and inflicted heavy casualties upon the outfit. The retreating militants, however, triggered mines killing and injuring an unspecified number of
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In addition, SFs clashed with the militants in the Mulliyaweli, Puthukkudiyiruppu and Mullaitivu suburbs and inflicted heavy casualties upon the outfit. The retreating militants, however, triggered mines killing and injuring an unspecified number of soldiers. Separately, intermittent exchange of fire continued between the two sides in the Visuamadu, Puliyampokkanai and the east of Dharmapuram areas.
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January - 27 
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UN officials who went to Puthukkudiyiruppu area to fetch some 300 patients to be transferred to the Vavuniya Hospital for further treatment were refused and turned away by the LTTE while holding all
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International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UN officials who went to Puthukkudiyiruppu area to fetch some 300 patients to be transferred to the Vavuniya Hospital for further treatment were refused and turned away by the LTTE while holding all those patients captive as ‘human shields’.
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January - 27 
Mukherjee said that India has no sympathy for terrorist organisations, but wants Sri Lanka to ensure that civilians are not victimised in the conflict between the armed forces and the LTTE. “I will go to Sri Lanka and have discussions with the Presid
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Mukherjee said that India has no sympathy for terrorist organisations, but wants Sri Lanka to ensure that civilians are not victimised in the conflict between the armed forces and the LTTE. “I will go to Sri Lanka and have discussions with the President and other authorities there and see what best can be done in this situation,” he told journalists in New Delhi , adding, “We are for fighting terrorists and all sorts of terrorism. Therefore, we have no sympathy for any organisation indulging in terrorist activity, particularly the LTTE, which is a banned organisation in India. However, we shall have to see how civilians can be protected and [we can ensure that] they do not become hapless victims of the situation.”
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January - 27 
National Post reports that the trial of three Canadians accused of travelling to New York in 2006 to buy anti-aircraft missiles and assault rifles for the LTTE ended on January 27 following two more guilty pleas. Sahilal Sabaratnam and Thiruthanikan
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National Post reports that the trial of three Canadians accused of travelling to New York in 2006 to buy anti-aircraft missiles and assault rifles for the LTTE ended on January 27 following two more guilty pleas. Sahilal Sabaratnam and Thiruthanikan Thanigasalam pleaded guilty to conspiracy to support a foreign terrorist group and conspiracy to buy missiles. Their co-accused, Sathajhan Sarachandran, had already pleaded guilty on January 26. They each face a minimum sentence of 25 years with a maximum of life imprisonment after admitting they were part of a Canadian-based arms procurement cell of the LTTE. "With these convictions we have sent a clear message that the LTTE and its supporters cannot use the United States as a source of supply for deadly weapons and technology, and that all terrorists who attempt to do so will be met with the full resources of law enforcement," US Attorney Benton Campbell said.
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January - 27 
On January 27, the SFs clashed with militants in the Chundikulam, Vishvamadu and Tannipalamkulam areas inflicting casualties upon the outfit. Separately, SFs confronted LTTE militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu south and Mullaitivu.
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On January 27, the SFs clashed with militants in the Chundikulam, Vishvamadu and Tannipalamkulam areas inflicting casualties upon the outfit. Separately, SFs confronted LTTE militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu south and Mullaitivu.
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January - 27 
President Mahinda Rajapakse told the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on January 27 that he was extending a personal invitation to the Tamil Nadu (Southern Indian State) Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the All India Anna D
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President Mahinda Rajapakse told the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on January 27 that he was extending a personal invitation to the Tamil Nadu (Southern Indian State) Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader Jayalalithaa to visit Sri Lanka to persuade the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to lay down arms and join the democratic mainstream. Mukherjee, who made an unscheduled visit to Colombo, said the humanitarian situation in the war zone came up for discussion and the President assured him that his Government would respect the areas demarcated as safe zones and minimise civilian casualties.
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January - 27 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still in Sri Lanka and leading his fighters on the battlefront in Mullaitivu, B. Nadesan, political head of the outfit, told BBC, according to Times of India. Describing as "
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still in Sri Lanka and leading his fighters on the battlefront in Mullaitivu, B. Nadesan, political head of the outfit, told BBC, according to Times of India. Describing as "malicious propaganda" reports that Prabhakaran has fled the island, Nadesan claimed that he (Prabhakaran) "is with our people", and is still leading the "freedom struggle" and ruled out LTTE cadres laying down arms and entering negotiations with the Government. "We took up arms to safeguard our people. We need a guarantee of living with freedom, dignity and sovereignty...until that we will continue fighting," he said. Talking about the reverses suffered by the outfit, he said "in a liberation war it is normal for a force to lose territory and regain the same." He also said in the past LTTE had withdrawn many times and bounced back to achieve big victories.
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January - 27 
The Sri Lanka Police have instructed the farmers of Maligawila and its neighbouring villages in the Moneragala District near the border of Eastern Province, which recently came under attack by fleeing Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants
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The Sri Lanka Police have instructed the farmers of Maligawila and its neighbouring villages in the Moneragala District near the border of Eastern Province, which recently came under attack by fleeing Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants from North, to vacate their homes with immediate effect, reports Colombo Page. According to Police sources, the villagers were instructed to vacate their homes due to failure to grant security for these villages following the recent attack. The sources confirmed that villagers in Kaluillama, Bosra, Kaju Ara and Demodara in Maligawila have begun to leave their houses obeying the Police order. The Police say they were instructed by top officials to evacuate the villages with immediate effect. As reported earlier, three villagers of the Maligawila area were killed by suspected LTTE militants on January 18.
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January - 27 
Troops conducting a search in the Mattuvil area of Jaffna District recovered nine hand grenades, 110 anti-personnel mines (APM), 56 ammunition rounds, thirty 9-mm ammunition rounds, three remote controllers, two claymore circuits, 70 detonators, two
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Troops conducting a search in the Mattuvil area of Jaffna District recovered nine hand grenades, 110 anti-personnel mines (APM), 56 ammunition rounds, thirty 9-mm ammunition rounds, three remote controllers, two claymore circuits, 70 detonators, two battery chargers, one Global Positioning System, 22 meter long detonator codes, two maps, 15 ID cards and one Driving licence. Similarly, the SFs in Vavuniya District recovered one eight kilograms heavy claymore mine, 20 m of wire, two 9V batteries and two electronic detonators from the Vannakulam area. In the same area, an APM exploded at about 4.30 pm (SLST) without causing any casualty.
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January - 28 
Also, a 152-mm artillery gun of the LTTE along with 70 empty artillery rounds was found buried by the 58th Division troops in the area east of Visuamadu.
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Also, a 152-mm artillery gun of the LTTE along with 70 empty artillery rounds was found buried by the 58th Division troops in the area east of Visuamadu.
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January - 28 
An unspecified number of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed and several others injured when troops of the 58th Division operating from the south of Paranthan–Mullaitivu (A-35) road reached Vishvamadu junction amidst stiff r
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An unspecified number of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed and several others injured when troops of the 58th Division operating from the south of Paranthan–Mullaitivu (A-35) road reached Vishvamadu junction amidst stiff resistance by the outfit on January 28, reports Daily News. The village, near Kalmadukulam tank, was completely under water and their houses and properties were largely damaged, when the tank bund was breeched by the LTTE, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. During subsequent search operations, Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead bodies of five militants along with four T-56 weapons, four I-com sets, explosives and several more LTTE items, adds Sri Lanka Army. Troops also came across a wide assortment of LTTE’s heavy and light vehicles, including one bulldozer, one backhoe, one tipper, one canter lorry, twelve land master tractors and a Toyota double cab belonging to the UNICEF. According to Nanayakkara, the capture of Vishvamadu junction dealt a severe blow to the LTTE who are now confined to a territory of 300 square kilometres, Daily News reported. The troops have also gained control of a stretch of 10 kilometers along the road leading to Chundikkulama via Puliyampokkanai. The militants have also started escaping towards the safer zones at Teravilkulam and Udayarkattikkulam after military operations in Vishvamadu and Piramanthalkulam. Brigadier Nanayakkara also said the LTTE-held territory is now surrounded by Task Force-IV from Puthukudirippu west and south, Task force-II from Puthukudirippu west and Udayankattu and Task force-III from Vishvamadu and Thalmadu. In addition, Troops of 57, 58, 55, are also operating in Vishvamadu, area south of A-35 road and Chundikulam.
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January - 28 
At least 50 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed and more than 150 injured during heavy fighting between the troops and militants in the Udayankattu and Pallaikudiyirippu areas of Mullaitivu District on January 28, reported S
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At least 50 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed and more than 150 injured during heavy fighting between the troops and militants in the Udayankattu and Pallaikudiyirippu areas of Mullaitivu District on January 28, reported Sri Lanka Army (SLA). Four soldiers also went missing. The Security Forces (SFs) also captured one LTTE base camp, with five buildings and one electric generator, and another camp with 15 bunkers, and subsequently recovered 200 claymore mines, some mine cases, vehicles, including one unicorn, two jeeps, one browser, one cab and one tractor.
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January - 28 
Following separate clashes between the two sides in the Puliyanpokkarai, Visuamadu and Mullavalai areas, the SFs recovered the dead bodies of two LTTE militants on January 28, SLA reported. The troops also recovered five I-com radio set and 6 T-56 we
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Following separate clashes between the two sides in the Puliyanpokkarai, Visuamadu and Mullavalai areas, the SFs recovered the dead bodies of two LTTE militants on January 28, SLA reported. The troops also recovered five I-com radio set and 6 T-56 weapons, nine Arul-type bombs, 21 hand grenades, 1000 rounds of ammunition, one large building and a conference hall, two Rocket Propeller Gun (RPG) bombs, six chargers, one cyanide capsule, one battery charger, 10 maps, one pack, a few garments and some food items.
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January - 28 
Nearly 13,000 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants have been killed during the past two years of conflict in Sri Lanka since the operations to liberate the Northern region began in July 2006, the military said on January 28, according to
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Nearly 13,000 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants have been killed during the past two years of conflict in Sri Lanka since the operations to liberate the Northern region began in July 2006, the military said on January 28, according to Colombo Page. Over 3700 soldiers have died in the ongoing battles, during the same period, the Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. Over 1500 LTTE cadres have been killed during the clashes in the past two months alone. Nearly 150 Government soldiers have also been killed in the same period, the spokesman added.
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January - 28 
One soldier sustained injuries in an anti-personnel mine (APM) explosion in the Veddayamurippu area of Mannar District.
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One soldier sustained injuries in an anti-personnel mine (APM) explosion in the Veddayamurippu area of Mannar District.
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January - 28 
SFs who are confronting the LTTE militants in the areas east of the Jaffna –Kandy (A-9) highway have simultaneously begun to de-mine newly captured areas.
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SFs who are confronting the LTTE militants in the areas east of the Jaffna –Kandy (A-9) highway have simultaneously begun to de-mine newly captured areas.
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January - 28 
Sri Lankan Government, responding to an "appeal" for medical supplies in the media and diplomatic circles claiming that 300 Tamil civilians were killed and 1,000 injured in Suthanthirapuram Udaiyaarkaddu and Vallipuram areas of Mullaitivu, in a state
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Sri Lankan Government, responding to an "appeal" for medical supplies in the media and diplomatic circles claiming that 300 Tamil civilians were killed and 1,000 injured in Suthanthirapuram Udaiyaarkaddu and Vallipuram areas of Mullaitivu, in a statement released on January 28, termed the "appeal" as a "hoax" and "a total fabrication", according to PTI. It said Dr. Thurairajah Varatharaja, the Regional Director of Health Services Mullaitivu, who is purported to be the originator of this "appeal" has denied any association with it and stated that its contents are false and exaggerated. "It has not originated from him or his office, and that he does not agree with its contents," the statement said. Athula Kahandliyanage, Secretary in the Health Ministry, said "the 2009 first quarter of drugs to Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi has been sent. The Mullaitivu supplies are awaiting road clearance and will be delivered soon."
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January - 28 
Task Force–II troops following clashes with the LTTE militants in the Udayarkattikkulam and Karavilkulam areas and recovered two gas cylinders, seven military packs and a big box, containing 150 hand grenades.
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Task Force–II troops following clashes with the LTTE militants in the Udayarkattikkulam and Karavilkulam areas and recovered two gas cylinders, seven military packs and a big box, containing 150 hand grenades.
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January - 28 
The chief of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) unit in Britain helped supply military equipment to the outfit, a London court heard on January 28, according to Daily News. Prosecutors alleged that 52-year-old Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar al
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The chief of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) unit in Britain helped supply military equipment to the outfit, a London court heard on January 28, according to Daily News. Prosecutors alleged that 52-year-old Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar alias A.C. Shanthan led the acquisition of funding and materials bound for the LTTE. Chrishanthakumar appeared at Kingston Crown Court in London charged with five offences, ranging from receiving electrical devices for terrorism, possessing terrorist documents, and belonging to a banned organisation. Three others - Jegatheswaran Muraleetharan alias Muralee Tharan, his brother Jeyatheswaran Vythyatharan alias Vithy Tharan and Murugesu Jegatheeswaran alias M. Jegan - are accused of receiving electronic items for use in terrorism.
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January - 28 
The SFs also recovered three hand grenades, three T-56 magazines and 60 rounds of ammunition from the Kaddudai area of Jaffna District.
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The SFs also recovered three hand grenades, three T-56 magazines and 60 rounds of ammunition from the Kaddudai area of Jaffna District.
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January - 28 
The Sri Lanka Air Force Kfir jets neutralised a LTTE camp, about one kilometre east of Visuamadukulam tank.
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The Sri Lanka Air Force Kfir jets neutralised a LTTE camp, about one kilometre east of Visuamadukulam tank.
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January - 28 
Three APMs were recovered by troops from the Veddayamurippu area.
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Three APMs were recovered by troops from the Veddayamurippu area.
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January - 28 
Troops in the Veddayamurippu and Unnachchiya areas recovered 37 anti-personnel mines, one CDMA phone, two maps and four T-56 magazines with live rounds.
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Troops in the Veddayamurippu and Unnachchiya areas recovered 37 anti-personnel mines, one CDMA phone, two maps and four T-56 magazines with live rounds.
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January - 29 
226 patients in the company of their 139 relatives and bystanders were finally picked from the Puthukkudiyiruppu area of Mullaitivu District and brought down to Vavuniya by officials of the ICRC and UN in the evening of January 29, according to Sri L
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226 patients in the company of their 139 relatives and bystanders were finally picked from the Puthukkudiyiruppu area of Mullaitivu District and brought down to Vavuniya by officials of the ICRC and UN in the evening of January 29, according to Sri Lanka Army.
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January - 29 
According to Zee News, the SFs found a damaged bullet-proof car that could have been used here by either LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran or other senior LTTE leaders. The rugged-looking covered pick up wagon, fitted with double steel sheets to esca
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According to Zee News, the SFs found a damaged bullet-proof car that could have been used here by either LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran or other senior LTTE leaders. The rugged-looking covered pick up wagon, fitted with double steel sheets to escape bullet hits, was found in thick jungles near Mullaitivu, Nandana Udawatte, the Brigadier commanding the 59th Division of the Army said, reported Daily Mirror on Januarys 29. It is a crude improvised version of a bullet-proof vehicle, unlike the new technologically advanced bullet-proof cars available off the shelf, he said.
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January - 29 
At least 44 civilians were killed and 178 others sustained injuries during SLA’s continued artillery firing targeting civilians in safety zones in Wanni since the noon of January 29, claimed the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net.
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At least 44 civilians were killed and 178 others sustained injuries during SLA’s continued artillery firing targeting civilians in safety zones in Wanni since the noon of January 29, claimed the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net.
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January - 29 
Colombo Page reports that Sri Lanka Government, regretting a recent statement made in Geneva by the ICRC, said the organization fails to note current ground realities in Sri Lanka. Issuing a special statement the ICRC, appealed to "the both sides, Sr
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Colombo Page reports that Sri Lanka Government, regretting a recent statement made in Geneva by the ICRC, said the organization fails to note current ground realities in Sri Lanka. Issuing a special statement the ICRC, appealed to "the both sides, Sri Lanka government and LTTE" to allow and facilitate the safe and voluntary movement of civilians out of the combat zone. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights today said that the ICRC staff in Colombo is well aware of current situation that the LTTE has barred the movement of civilians to government controlled areas. The fact that Geneva seems oblivious to all this suggests either wilful ignorance or naiveté, the Government said.
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January - 29 
Daily News reports a LTTE armour plated underwater craft and three other partially assembled submarine type smaller crafts (midgets) were recovered by the Task Force-III troops from the Udayarkattikkulam area of Vishvamadu in Mullaitivu District in t
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Daily News reports a LTTE armour plated underwater craft and three other partially assembled submarine type smaller crafts (midgets) were recovered by the Task Force-III troops from the Udayarkattikkulam area of Vishvamadu in Mullaitivu District in the morning of January 29. The bigger craft was 35 feet in length, military sources said. The submarine like craft was found following the capture of a well designed LTTE camp spread out in two square kilometres expanse. The camp consisted of 15 small houses and 5 billets, all tiled and air-conditioned. Among the items recovered were a large towing cradle with 13 wheels on one side, a Dvora type craft with a gun mount, a large number of out board motors, electric motors and water pumps, three paddle boats and machinery used in welding work.
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January - 29 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 29 that they have declared a safe-zone for civilians, according to Daily News. "I urge the LTTE within the next 48 hours to allow free movement of civilians to ensure their safety and security. For all thos
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 29 that they have declared a safe-zone for civilians, according to Daily News. "I urge the LTTE within the next 48 hours to allow free movement of civilians to ensure their safety and security. For all those civilians, I assure a safe passage to a secure environment. I also assure all those living in the North and conflict areas in particular, that vacating LTTE held areas will ensure their physical security and enable peace, freedom and rights for all citizens of this country," the statement said. He said his Government was committed to ushering in peace so that all people of Sri Lanka, especially those in the North and the East would have the opportunity to choose their leaders through election, adding, "However, all efforts for finding solutions peacefully for outstanding issues in the North and the East were repudiated by the LTTE and I was compelled to take measures to combat the terrorism unleashed by the LTTE on the people of Sri Lanka. In the efforts to eradicate terrorism and in the humanitarian operations to free civilians from suffering and insecurity, the Government and the Security Forces have been conscious of the welfare of civilians, their lives and property at all times."
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January - 29 
Separately, four LTTE militants were killed by troops during another confrontation in the Muhamalai area of Jaffna district.
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Separately, four LTTE militants were killed by troops during another confrontation in the Muhamalai area of Jaffna district.
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January - 29 
The LTTE released the two UN expatriates they were holding and allowed to return the Government controlled areas but detained the 13 local staff further, the military said, reported Colombo Page. The LTTE has detained the two expatriates and 13 local
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The LTTE released the two UN expatriates they were holding and allowed to return the Government controlled areas but detained the 13 local staff further, the military said, reported Colombo Page. The LTTE has detained the two expatriates and 13 local staff of the UN aid convoy travelled to the LTTE-held areas to deliver food and other essential items to the civilians in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area since January 16. The UN office issued a request on January 22 to allow the staff and dependents travelling with the UN aid convoy safe passage to return to the Government controlled area.
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January - 29 
The political wing leader of the LTTE, Balasingham Nadesan, said on January 29 that the outfit has been urging the United Nations (UN), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other international actors through all available offices to fa
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The political wing leader of the LTTE, Balasingham Nadesan, said on January 29 that the outfit has been urging the United Nations (UN), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other international actors through all available offices to facilitate transportation for the wounded civilians in need of medical treatment to the Vavuniya Hospital, according to Tamil Net. "We have been very clear that any individual who wishes to leave the combat zone has an individual right to move anywhere. We have not imposed any restriction on individuals. But, we will not be organising any 'organised exodus' against the collective will of the people who have sought refuge away from a genocidal military," he said, adding, "We are urging responsible top officials of the UN and other international agencies to immediately visit the 'safety zone' and to obtain the views of the civilians and make independent assessment of the needs and concerns of the civilians."
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January - 29 
The Security Forces recovered a suicide jacket in Dehiwala, a suburb of Colombo, in the morning of January 29, according to Colombo Page. According to Police, the suicide jacket, weighing four and half kilograms, was found in an abandoned land at Was
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The Security Forces recovered a suicide jacket in Dehiwala, a suburb of Colombo, in the morning of January 29, according to Colombo Page. According to Police, the suicide jacket, weighing four and half kilograms, was found in an abandoned land at Wasala road in Dehiwala on information from a civilian.
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January - 29 
The SFs foiled a LTTE plan to destroy the Iranamadu tank bund when they recovered a stock of explosives on January 29. Three powerful bombs about 25 kilograms each with floating devices, six detonators, two diving kits and other accessories were reco
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The SFs foiled a LTTE plan to destroy the Iranamadu tank bund when they recovered a stock of explosives on January 29. Three powerful bombs about 25 kilograms each with floating devices, six detonators, two diving kits and other accessories were recovered from the site. The Iranamadu tank is one of the largest irrigational tanks in the island which feeds a vast area of agricultural lands in the Kilinochchi district.
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January - 29 
United States and Japan have offered a SLR 3.2 billion grant to Sri Lanka Government for de-mining in the Mannar District, one of the recently liberated districts in the North. The Ministry for Nation Building said the Government is planning to begin
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United States and Japan have offered a SLR 3.2 billion grant to Sri Lanka Government for de-mining in the Mannar District, one of the recently liberated districts in the North. The Ministry for Nation Building said the Government is planning to begin the de-mining process by in early next month. Silawathura, Giant Tank (also known as Yodha Tank) and Madhu areas are to be de-mined under this project, the Ministry added. The Government hopes to obtain the assistance of foreign de-mining groups and the Sri Lanka Army to complete the de-mining in Mannar district.
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January - 30 
All Party Representative Committee (APRC) has finalized its report recommending a power devolution formula to solve the ethnic conflict, the Government announced. APRC chairman and Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana said all 13 parties in the APRC attend
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All Party Representative Committee (APRC) has finalized its report recommending a power devolution formula to solve the ethnic conflict, the Government announced. APRC chairman and Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana said all 13 parties in the APRC attended the final meeting. An interim report based on the consensus reached so far between the parties has been handed over to the party representatives for observations and suggestions. Once the report is finalized by the 13 parties it will be handed over to the President. Despite failing to reach an agreement over the character of the state in the proposed devolution package, the parties have reportedly agreed to abolish the concurrent list, and introduce two lists outlining powers to be vested in the provincial councils and the central Government. The APRC was mandated by the President in 2006 to prepare a set of proposals that would be the basis for a solution to the conflict.
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January - 30 
Government rejected calls for a cease-fire with the LTTE and vowed to continue the military operations until the North is completely liberated. Human Rights and Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said in a press briefing, "There will b
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Government rejected calls for a cease-fire with the LTTE and vowed to continue the military operations until the North is completely liberated. Human Rights and Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said in a press briefing, "There will be no cease-fire. We will continue with our military operations and we will continue to liberate areas which had not been liberated so far. We are determined to eradicate terrorism in Sri Lanka.'' Earlier, on January 29, President Mahinda Rajapakse urged the LTTE to release the civilians within 48 hours and allow them to move to safety in the Government-controlled areas. The Government has set up a special no-fire zone in the LTTE-held area. However, the LTTE stressed that only a permanent cease-fire would resolve the conflict. "Only a permanent cease-fire mooted by the international community and negotiations followed by it would resolve the conflict as envisaged by the Tamil people and the LTTE," the outfit’s political leader, B. Nadesan, was quoted as saying by the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net on January 29.
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January - 30 
Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in a pre-dawn attack on January 30 destroyed an explosive laden Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide boat in the seas off Mullaitivu coast, the Navy reported, according to Colombo Page. Naval craft on patrol in the Mul
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Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in a pre-dawn attack on January 30 destroyed an explosive laden Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide boat in the seas off Mullaitivu coast, the Navy reported, according to Colombo Page. Naval craft on patrol in the Mullaitivu seas had earlier intercepted the suicide boat launched from Mullaitivu and directed heavy gunfire at it.
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January - 31 
During continuous search operations conducted in the Chundikulam, Visuamadu, Udayarkattikkulam and Puthukkudiyiruppu areas of Mullaitivu District the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead body of a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militant
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During continuous search operations conducted in the Chundikulam, Visuamadu, Udayarkattikkulam and Puthukkudiyiruppu areas of Mullaitivu District the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead body of a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militant along with three T-56 weapons, one magazine with 30 rounds of ammunition, three claymore mines of 12.5 kilograms, one claymore mine of 20 kilograms, one I-com radio set, 10 rifle grenades, 55 hand grenades, one LTTE identity card, seven fishing boats, one water jet, ten 210 litre barrels of kerosene, 10000 candles and one container of urea.
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January - 31 
SFs captured a Black Tiger (suicide wing of the LTTE) camp complex in the east of Visuamadu in Mullaitivu District on January 31, according to SLA reports. Nine mortar launchers of five different calibre of 120-mm, 81-mm, 82-mm, 80-mm and 60-mm, six
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SFs captured a Black Tiger (suicide wing of the LTTE) camp complex in the east of Visuamadu in Mullaitivu District on January 31, according to SLA reports. Nine mortar launchers of five different calibre of 120-mm, 81-mm, 82-mm, 80-mm and 60-mm, six Multi Purpose Machine Guns, two thermo baric launchers, 20 pistols, three Rocket Propeller Guns (RPG), seven claymore mines, one improvised claymore mine, 18 T-56 weapons, one sniper gun, eight RPG rounds, 59 hand grenades, one tripod, 35 Arul-type bombs, 100 detonators, one radio set, thirty five gas masks, 48 helmets, 35 pouches, a large stock of new LTTE uniforms along with the dead bodies of 12 militants were recovered from the complex.
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January - 31 February - 1
Tamil Net claimed that 56 civilians were killed between January 31 and February 1 when the SLA fired artillery shells targeting civilian refuges at Moongkilaaru in the Udaiyaarkaddu area within the 'safety zone' announced by the Government of Sri Lan
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Tamil Net claimed that 56 civilians were killed between January 31 and February 1 when the SLA fired artillery shells targeting civilian refuges at Moongkilaaru in the Udaiyaarkaddu area within the 'safety zone' announced by the Government of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Air Force bombers attacked Moongkilaaru in the night of February 1, added the Website
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*Data till , March 26, 2024
Source:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.
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