We will switch to guerilla tactics in East: LTTE

Colombo, July 12 (UNI) Conceding that the military has gained control of vast territory of their former strongholds in the Eastern province, the Tamil Tiger rebels have claimed that they would now switch to their 'famous' guerilla tactics in the East region.

Sri Lankan military said yesterday that its Commando troops have 'reached' Thoppigala and ''assumed full control'' of the last LTTE stronghold in the thick jungles of the Eastern Batticaloa district.

The government also said that the troops have gained full control over the adjoining areas such as Narakamula, and Tharavikulama ''where the LTTE leadership had its Eastern headquarters and fortifications''.

''With this victory, the troops have captured the nerve centre of the LTTE terrorists in their last stronghold in the eastern province,'' the Defence Ministry said, adding that small member of LTTE cadres have withdrawn to the jungles in West of Thoppigala and ''the troops are in the process to clear those area also''.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, in a statement has paid his tribute to the troops for the ''capture of Thoppigala from the LTTE'' after so many years.

''I join the people in offering tribute and all good wishes to the members of the Armed Forces, Police and Special Task Force who, through their participation in the humanitarian exercise to free the people of the East from the clutches of terrorism, captured the last stronghold of the terrorists located at Thoppigala,'' the President said.

But the LTTE's military spokesman, Irasaiya Ilanthiraiyan in an interview with the BBC News in the rebel-held Kilinochchi, has said that they have already adopted to unconventional guerilla tactics few week ago in these area with the military advancing into their areas in the East phase by phase.

He said,''they (government) are mentioning this as an end of the war in East. But that is not true. We have 24 years experience in guerilla war. In fact we have already changed our approach to guerilla tactics some week ago in these areas,'' ''Gaining control of vast territory is one thing and keeping them free of attacks and violence is another. We will wait and see'' the rebel spokesman has said, adding that the military might have to loose control of some areas when gaining control of some other areas.

''We can continue to adopt conventional and unconventional tactics. It all depends on the resources you have there,'' LTTE's military spokesman, Irasaiya Ilanthiraiyan has been quoted as saying.

However, the government spokesman on defence matters and Minister of Foreign Employment, Keheliya Rambukwella has said that ''the LTTE might hit at troops here and there in the East, but the troops are well prepared for it''.

UNI