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SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/PROJECTS/REPORTS
NA: Timeline (Terrorist Activities) -2009
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Date
Incidents
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February - 1 
150 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and more than 350 others injured when the defensive formations of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) foiled an SLA attempt to capture Puthukkudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu District in the morning o
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150 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and more than 350 others injured when the defensive formations of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) foiled an SLA attempt to capture Puthukkudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu District in the morning of February 1, claimed pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net. The fighting was still continuing, it added. Three battle tanks, two troop carriers, a military bus and two tractors were fully destroyed in the fighting so far, said S. Puleedevan, Director of the LTTE Peace Secretariat.
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February - 1 February - 2
At least 35 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed in separate confrontations between the troops and the militants in the Mullaitivu District on February 1, according to Colombo Page. The military said on February 2 that day-lo
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At least 35 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed in separate confrontations between the troops and the militants in the Mullaitivu District on February 1, according to Colombo Page. The military said on February 2 that day-long fighting erupted between the two sides in the area west of the Nanthikandal lagoon and the Udayarkattikkulam near the declared civilian safe zone on February 1 as troops came under heavy artillery attack from the militants.
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February - 1 
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that troops advancing further into the LTTE-held areas in Mullaitivu made steady progress within the past two days with the 59th Division and 55th Division destroying heavily fortified LTTE defence
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Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that troops advancing further into the LTTE-held areas in Mullaitivu made steady progress within the past two days with the 59th Division and 55th Division destroying heavily fortified LTTE defence lines in Puthukuduiruppu south and Chundikulam south, reported Daily News. Security Forces (SFs) operating in the West of Nanthikadal lagoon stormed the LTTE’s heavily fortified defence south of Puthukkudiyiruppu on January 31, while 55th division troops stormed LTTE’s heavily fortified defence line in Chundikulam on February 1. However, he did not give casualty figure on either side.
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February - 1 February - 6
More than 1000 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed in the intense fighting in the Mullaittivu District since February 1, the pro—LTTE Website Tamil Net quoted LTTE sources as saying on February 6. Hundreds of SLA crack commandos were drawn into
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More than 1000 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed in the intense fighting in the Mullaittivu District since February 1, the pro—LTTE Website Tamil Net quoted LTTE sources as saying on February 6. Hundreds of SLA crack commandos were drawn into Mannakandal and Keappaapulavu 'boxes' and were cut off from their rear supplies during a pre-emptive strike by the LTTE, resulting in the death of these soldiers. An arms storage, which was full of weapons as the SLA was in full preparation to launch its 'final assault' on Puthukkudyiruppu was also seized by the LTTE commandos engaged in the pre-emptive strike, the report added. The sources further revealed that there were at least 20 mortars, thousands of shells, several hundreds of assault rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG), RPG launchers and a conservative estimate of one million rounds were among the arms and ammunitions seized. The LTTE had emptied the store of stockpiled arms and ammunitions by the time the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bombed the location of its own arsenal, sources added further.
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February - 1 
One more underground bunker turned two-storied house with luxurious facilities was also found by the SFs in Visuamadu. Two T-56 weapons, one Light Machine Gun and nine A-5 gas weapons in addition were also recovered from the site. In another incident
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One more underground bunker turned two-storied house with luxurious facilities was also found by the SFs in Visuamadu. Two T-56 weapons, one Light Machine Gun and nine A-5 gas weapons in addition were also recovered from the site. In another incident, one sniper gun and two T-56 weapons were recovered by the troops from the same area.
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February - 1 
President Mahinda Rajapakse renewing his call to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on February 1 urged them to surrender or face the danger of being captured by the Armed Forces, reports Daily News. The President opined that if the militant
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President Mahinda Rajapakse renewing his call to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on February 1 urged them to surrender or face the danger of being captured by the Armed Forces, reports Daily News. The President opined that if the militants surrendered to the Armed Forces as their last available option now they would be readily accepted and humanely treated, similar to their colleagues who had surrendered in the East. Rajapakse also stated that he was repeatedly making this call to the militants on the basis that the operations carried out by the Security Forces were irreversible and irrevocable. “We have amply shown to the world, the manner as envisioned in the Mahinda Chinthana how my Government envisages to rejuvenate the country”, he said. Meanwhile, the 48-hour truce period the President had offered to the LTTE to allow stranded civilians to move into safe areas expired in the night of January 31 but the LTTE continue to hold the people ignoring the ultimatum, according to Colombo Page. "LTTE terrorists violating the objective of the safe area, moved heavy artillery batteries and mortar guns over civilians endangering their safety also attempting to draw civilian casualties in a military retaliation," the Defence Ministry said. Defence sources said the LTTE is manning a forward defence line in the outer perimeters of the Safe Zone and they have also “cluttered” the area with land mines to prevent civilians from reaching the Government-controlled territory. The United Nations estimates some 250,000 civilians are trapped in the battlefield now limited to an area of less than 300 square kilometers in the northeast jungles. The Sri Lanka Government said that it couldn't go for a power sharing solution for the country's ethnic issue vanquishing the 13th amendment of the constitution. Speaking to the press, Media Minister Laxman Yapa Abeywardena said if it wants to grant a power sharing solution for the North and East over the 13th amendment the Government needs the support of the main opposition United National Party and other political parties. The Minister said that the Government has openly invited all the parties to submit their proposals on a power sharing solution. The 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution recommended establishing provincial councils as the unit for power devolution according to the devolution provisions of the Indo-Lanka Accord, signed in July 1987 by then President J.R. Jayewardene and former Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.
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February - 1 
The committee appointed to formulate a solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has proposed a Higher Appointments Council (HAC) in place of the present Constitutional Council. The proposed HAC will comprise the Prime Minister, Speaker, Oppositio
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The committee appointed to formulate a solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has proposed a Higher Appointments Council (HAC) in place of the present Constitutional Council. The proposed HAC will comprise the Prime Minister, Speaker, Opposition Leader and six others appointed by the President. A committee of Parliament composed of all parties in proportion to their representation in the House will nominate the six members to be appointed by the President. The appointment committee should include three persons to represent minority interests, appointed in consultation with Member pf Parliaments belonging to the minority communities.
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February - 1 
The LTTE recently named a senior leader, identified as Selvarasa Pathmanathan, as the chief of a newly established Department of International Relations (DIR), according to Tamil Net. Pathmanathan will be representing the outfit in any future peace i
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The LTTE recently named a senior leader, identified as Selvarasa Pathmanathan, as the chief of a newly established Department of International Relations (DIR), according to Tamil Net. Pathmanathan will be representing the outfit in any future peace initiatives and will be the primary point of contact for engaging with the international community, according to a letter sent to various international actors by the LTTE's DIR. Pathmanathan will be working abroad with required mandate from the LTTE leadership, according to the letter. The outfit’s political wing leader, B. Nadesan, confirmed to Tamil Net that Pathmanathan has already begun corresponding with international actors.
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February - 1 
Troops captured four LTTE camps in the Puthukkudiyiruppu south area and recovered one T-56 weapon. The SFs also recovered one mortar barrel and one base plate from the Puthukkudiyiruppu south.
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Troops captured four LTTE camps in the Puthukkudiyiruppu south area and recovered one T-56 weapon. The SFs also recovered one mortar barrel and one base plate from the Puthukkudiyiruppu south.
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February - 2 
An unspecified number of LTTE militants were killed by the SFs during clashes between the two sides in the Visuamadu and Welioya areas. The troops later recovered the dead body of a militant along with three claymore mines, two televisions, one comp
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An unspecified number of LTTE militants were killed by the SFs during clashes between the two sides in the Visuamadu and Welioya areas. The troops later recovered the dead body of a militant along with three claymore mines, two televisions, one computer, 25 detonators and two T-56 weapons.
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February - 2 
At least nine civilians were killed and 20 others injured when a hospital in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-controlled area of Puthukkudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu District came under artillery attack three times on February 2, according
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At least nine civilians were killed and 20 others injured when a hospital in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-controlled area of Puthukkudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu District came under artillery attack three times on February 2, according to Colombo Page. Talking about the incident, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Sri Lanka spokesperson Sarasi Wijeratne said that Puthukkudiyiruppu Hospital was directly hit twice in the afternoon and again in the night. The ICRC which has its staff present at the hospital, however, did not know who fired the shells. Meanwhile, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara denied LTTE’s allegation that the Army was responsible for the incident and accused the outfit for indiscriminately firing artillery barrages in a desperate attempt to halt the military operations.
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February - 2 
On February 2, Police recovered three 82-mm mortar bombs, three 60-mm mortar bombs, eight fuses, eight hand grenades, 130 rounds of ammunitions and 500 grams of gun powders from the Mankerni and Vakarai areas of Batticaloa District, reports Sri Lanka
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On February 2, Police recovered three 82-mm mortar bombs, three 60-mm mortar bombs, eight fuses, eight hand grenades, 130 rounds of ammunitions and 500 grams of gun powders from the Mankerni and Vakarai areas of Batticaloa District, reports Sri Lanka Army. Similarly, one hand grenade was found by the troops in the Kiran area.
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February - 2 
President Mahinda Rajapakse declared on February 2 that the Army is on the verge of crushing the LTTE after a 25-year war, according to Associated Press. "The strongholds of terror once believed to be invincible ... have fallen in rapid succession, b
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President Mahinda Rajapakse declared on February 2 that the Army is on the verge of crushing the LTTE after a 25-year war, according to Associated Press. "The strongholds of terror once believed to be invincible ... have fallen in rapid succession, bringing the final elimination of terror from our motherland and the dawn of true freedom to all our people well within our reach," Rajapakse said in a message to mark the 61st Independence Day that will be celebrated on February 4.
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February - 2 
The pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net claimed that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) fired artillery shells throughout February 2 from all directions targeting civilian refuges killing or injuring at least 100 civilians. More than 5,000 artillery shells and Multi Ba
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The pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net claimed that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) fired artillery shells throughout February 2 from all directions targeting civilian refuges killing or injuring at least 100 civilians. More than 5,000 artillery shells and Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher rockets were fired by the SLA, it added.
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February - 2 
The Security Forces (SFs) clashed with the LTTE militants in the area north of Visuamadu killing at least 11 militants while injuring eight others.
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The Security Forces (SFs) clashed with the LTTE militants in the area north of Visuamadu killing at least 11 militants while injuring eight others.
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February - 2 
The Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead bodies of 12 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants along with 14 Light Machine Guns, 13 T-56 Weapons, one I-com communication set, one 60-mm mortar, 15 claymore mines, 50 anti-personnel mines a
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The Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead bodies of 12 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants along with 14 Light Machine Guns, 13 T-56 Weapons, one I-com communication set, one 60-mm mortar, 15 claymore mines, 50 anti-personnel mines and 12 hand grenades following clashes with the militants in the Murusamoddai and Ettakokkavilkulam north areas of Mullaitivu District on February 2, according to Sri Lanka Army reports.
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February - 2 
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets targeted a LTTE camp north of Mullaitivu in the support of the 59th Division soldiers. A second air strike targeted a LTTE camp located about three kilometres north of Udayarkattikkulam Tank.
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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets targeted a LTTE camp north of Mullaitivu in the support of the 59th Division soldiers. A second air strike targeted a LTTE camp located about three kilometres north of Udayarkattikkulam Tank.
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February - 2 
The Trincomalee Police seized a lorry used to transport Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide kits from the premises of a house which belongs to a high ranking Police officer in Trincomalee, the Police said, according to Colombo Page. Accor
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The Trincomalee Police seized a lorry used to transport Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide kits from the premises of a house which belongs to a high ranking Police officer in Trincomalee, the Police said, according to Colombo Page. According to the Trincomalee Police the lorry was sized on information revealed by an interrogation of two LTTE militants arrested earlier in Trincomalee. The lorry has been registered in the name of the wife of this high ranking officer, the Police said.
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February - 2 
The troops captured a two-acre plot of land that houses a luxurious two-storey residential quarter, believed to have been used by the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in Mullaitivu. The two-storeyed fully furnished residential palace with four sepa
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The troops captured a two-acre plot of land that houses a luxurious two-storey residential quarter, believed to have been used by the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in Mullaitivu. The two-storeyed fully furnished residential palace with four separately air conditioned spacious rooms had a firing range outside the building, which the troops believe would have been used for training by Prabhakaran himself or his top rung leaders whenever he visits here. Several oxygen tanks were also recovered from the housing site.
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February - 2 
Troops following several rounds of clashes with the LTTE militants in the Udayarkattikkulam and Udayankattu areas recovered the dead bodies of five militants, according to Sri Lanka Army (SLA) reports. An unspecified number of soldiers were also inju
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Troops following several rounds of clashes with the LTTE militants in the Udayarkattikkulam and Udayankattu areas recovered the dead bodies of five militants, according to Sri Lanka Army (SLA) reports. An unspecified number of soldiers were also injured in the fighting while five others went missing during the battle. Troops also captured a LTTE camp and found a foreign-made huge transmission/communication tower, about 200 feet in length, kept folded perhaps for future use from the area. The SFs later recovered 12 T-56 weapons, 30 rounds of ammunition, four hand grenades, one 1210 lorry, 143 anti-personnel mines, two I-com radio sets, a number of kerosene barrels, one Multi Purpose Machine Gun barrel, one 12.7 anti aircraft gun barrel, one Light Machine Gun, 15 Rocket Propeller Grenade rounds, three huts, one excavator, one container, one van and one motorbike.
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February - 3 
57th Divisions troops operating in the Visuamadu area recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition following several clashes with the LTTE militants. The recovery included one claymore mine weighing 28 kilograms, four barrels filled with diesel, 50
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57th Divisions troops operating in the Visuamadu area recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition following several clashes with the LTTE militants. The recovery included one claymore mine weighing 28 kilograms, four barrels filled with diesel, 5000 T-56 ammunition, one canter lorry, one locally made gun, another five barrels filled with fuel, one barrel of an 81-mm mortar, 150 hand grenades, two ‘manual sights’ of 81-mm mortars, accessories of 152-mm and 120-mm mortar guns, seven Multi Purpose Machine Guns, accessories of 12.5 anti-aircraft guns, three more small claymore mines, nine rounds of RCL type guns, eight 60-mm mortar rounds and parts of a naval weapon.
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February - 3 
Amid heavy resistance, the SFs captured a Black Tigers (cadres of the suicide wing of the LTTE) training camp on February 3, reports Colombo Page. According to defence officials, an unspecified number of militants were killed in the operation followi
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Amid heavy resistance, the SFs captured a Black Tigers (cadres of the suicide wing of the LTTE) training camp on February 3, reports Colombo Page. According to defence officials, an unspecified number of militants were killed in the operation following which the SFs recovered a jeep, believed to have been used by the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran or a senior associate for field visits at the large facility. The training base located in a thick jungle patch was well equipped with modern fitness maintenance equipment, an auditorium, and underground bunkers with food storage facilities. The shrines dedicated to dead Black Tigers suggest that the facility may be where the suicide cadre received their 'Last Supper' with the LTTE chief Prabhakaran.
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February - 3 
An unspecified number of militants were killed when the troops repulsed a LTTE attack in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. The SFs later recovered one T-56 weapon from the area.
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An unspecified number of militants were killed when the troops repulsed a LTTE attack in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. The SFs later recovered one T-56 weapon from the area.
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February - 3 
At least 52 civilians were killed when the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu District was shelled in the evening of February 3 for the fourth consecutive day, this time by a cluster bomb, forcing authorities to evacuate patients from one of th
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At least 52 civilians were killed when the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu District was shelled in the evening of February 3 for the fourth consecutive day, this time by a cluster bomb, forcing authorities to evacuate patients from one of the last functioning medical facilities in the war zone, said United Nations (UN), according to Rediff.com. "We have a confirmed report that 52 civilians have been killed in a shell attack at Suranthapuram (in Wanni region) on Tuesday evening," UN spokesman Gordon Weiss said, adding that it was not known who was responsible for the attack.
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February - 3 
Colombo Page reports that the Government has taken measures to establish four more welfare villages in Vavuniya and Adampan areas for the IDPs coming from Wanni and Mannar. Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, the Resettlement and Disaster Reli
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Colombo Page reports that the Government has taken measures to establish four more welfare villages in Vavuniya and Adampan areas for the IDPs coming from Wanni and Mannar. Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rizard Bathiyutheen said the Government has already commenced basic activities of the four villages. According to Government statistics, 113,731 civilians are still under LTTE control in Mullaitivu District although aid agencies claim a higher number.
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February - 3 
For the third consecutive day, the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu District was shelled in the evening of February 3, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) said, reports Colombo Page. According to ICRC spokesperson Sarasi Wijeratne
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For the third consecutive day, the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu District was shelled in the evening of February 3, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) said, reports Colombo Page. According to ICRC spokesperson Sarasi Wijeratne, the operation theatre of the hospital was damaged due to the shell attack at about 5:30 pm (SLST). The ICRC has, however, not received details on casualties in the attack. The hospital was damaged due to shelling two days earlier and it was reported that nine patients were killed and 20 were injured in that attack. The hospital was shelled again on February 2 and three people were killed and 10 injured, said the ICRC spokesperson. Both the Army and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have denied responsibility for the attacks.
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February - 3 
Officials on February 3 claimed that the LTTE had virtually laid a siege on the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital, including preventing its staff from leaving the premises, according to Daily News. Health Ministry Secretary Athula Kahandaliyanage said the L
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Officials on February 3 claimed that the LTTE had virtually laid a siege on the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital, including preventing its staff from leaving the premises, according to Daily News. Health Ministry Secretary Athula Kahandaliyanage said the LTTE had placed their heavy artillery guns close to the hospital making the whole area vulnerable. He claimed that there were over 450 patients in the hospital and authorities would attempt to evacuate them and others seeking treatment at three other locations in Mullaitivu on February 5. He added that authorities were prepared to accommodate any number of patients in Vavuniya and all facilities were available.
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February - 3 
On February 3, the MIG-27 and Kfir jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force jointly conducted an air raid on a LTTE radar unit and a command centre, about 1.5 kilometres north of Mullaitivu lagoon mouth.
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On February 3, the MIG-27 and Kfir jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force jointly conducted an air raid on a LTTE radar unit and a command centre, about 1.5 kilometres north of Mullaitivu lagoon mouth.
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February - 3 
The Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry said the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who had sought refuge with authorities had increased to over 5,000. More than 3,000 people have been housed at welfare centres in Vavuniya and another
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The Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry said the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who had sought refuge with authorities had increased to over 5,000. More than 3,000 people have been housed at welfare centres in Vavuniya and another 1800 have sought refuge at centres in Jaffna. Ministry sources said 1,000 acres of land had been cleared in Vavuniya to cater to an expected exodus in the coming weeks in addition to the existing facilities. They said these centres were equipped with all facilities including health, sanitary, schooling for children, banking, food etc.
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February - 3 
the SFs captured the seventh and apparently the last LTTE runway in the area west of Sundarapuram (Thiruvaiaru) and northeast of Piramantharukulam (Puthukudirippu) and also brought under control the entire area. Though the entire strip is about two k
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the SFs captured the seventh and apparently the last LTTE runway in the area west of Sundarapuram (Thiruvaiaru) and northeast of Piramantharukulam (Puthukudirippu) and also brought under control the entire area. Though the entire strip is about two kilometres, the tarmac was only 350 meters in length and 50 meters in width according to the ground troops. The tarmac had been partitioned into 16 sections beginning from 1-16, most probably to use it as a hangar after return on completion of clandestine aerial terrorist bombing operations. The entire airstrip has been surrounded by earth bunds from the north and east of the area.
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February - 3 February - 4
The Sri Lanka Air Force conducted 13 air raids on LTTE camps in the Mullaitivu District between 8.00 pm on February 3 and 5.45 pm on February 4. Fighter jets and helicopters gunships bombed several camps in the Puthukkudiyiruppu west and south on Feb
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The Sri Lanka Air Force conducted 13 air raids on LTTE camps in the Mullaitivu District between 8.00 pm on February 3 and 5.45 pm on February 4. Fighter jets and helicopters gunships bombed several camps in the Puthukkudiyiruppu west and south on February 4. Earlier on February 3, MIG fighter jets shelled a camp at Puthukkudiyiruppu. These aerial attacks were reportedly conducted in support of the advancing 59th Division and Task Force-IV troops.
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February - 3 
The Sri Lankan military on February 3 accused the LTTE of arming civilians to fight the SFs, reported The Hindu.
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The Sri Lankan military on February 3 accused the LTTE of arming civilians to fight the SFs, reported The Hindu.
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February - 3 
The Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, United States and the European Union) have reportedly admitted to their failure to persuade the LTTE to allow civilians freedom of movement. In a press release issued on February 3, the Co-Chairs called on the LTTE
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The Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, United States and the European Union) have reportedly admitted to their failure to persuade the LTTE to allow civilians freedom of movement. In a press release issued on February 3, the Co-Chairs called on the LTTE to discuss with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) the modalities for ending hostilities, including the laying down of arms, renunciation of violence, acceptance of the Government of Sri Lanka’s offer of amnesty; and participating as a political party in a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution; and call on the GoSL and the LTTE to declare a temporary no-fire period to allow for evacuation of sick and wounded, and provision of aid to civilians. “International efforts to persuade the LTTE to allow the civilians freedom of movement have failed. There remains probably only a short period of time before the LTTE loses control of all areas in the North. The LTTE and the GoSL should recognise that further loss of life-of civilians and combatants - will serve no cause, the release said. The Co-Chairs, India, the United Nations and others will work with the GoSL, to ensure the internally displaced people from the North are transferred to temporary camps where UN agencies, the ICRC, and humanitarian organisations will have full access and the IDPs will be treated according to international, standards and re-settled in their original homes as soon as possible; and an inclusive dialogue to agree on a political settlement so that lasting peace and reconciliation can be achieved”, the release said.
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February - 3 
Troops continued their offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants inflicting heavy casualties upon them in Mullaitivu District on February 3, reports Sri Lanka Army. Security Forces (SFs) operating in the Puthukkudiyirupp
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Troops continued their offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants inflicting heavy casualties upon them in Mullaitivu District on February 3, reports Sri Lanka Army. Security Forces (SFs) operating in the Puthukkudiyiruppu recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with one Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG), four T-56 weapons, five rounds of 40-mm grenades and several cartridges. Separately, SFs in Visuamadu recovered six thermo-baric weapons, one suicide jacket, 20 anti-personnel mines (APMs) and ninety-three 12.7-mm anti-aircraft gun rounds. Similarly, two 120-mm mortar guns, a huge stock of detonators, detonating codes, firing devices, 49 hand grenades, six T-56 weapons, one pistol, four I-Com communication sets and one motor bike of the LTTE was recovered by the troops in the Chalai west area. 20 more APMs were also recovered by troops in the Ramanadhapuram area.
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February - 3 
Troops found a torture chamber and an open prison complex of the LTTE in the west of Visuamadu area. The entire complex spreading over five acres was fenced with barbed wire rolls to a height of about 10 feet and includes tiny cells, made of concrete
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Troops found a torture chamber and an open prison complex of the LTTE in the west of Visuamadu area. The entire complex spreading over five acres was fenced with barbed wire rolls to a height of about 10 feet and includes tiny cells, made of concrete and cement with only thin openings for ventilation.
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February - 4 February - 5
Colombo Page reports that the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital which was closed on February 4 due to shelling has been relocated to Puthumalan, a location closer to the coastal area in Mullaitivu District, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) sa
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Colombo Page reports that the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital which was closed on February 4 due to shelling has been relocated to Puthumalan, a location closer to the coastal area in Mullaitivu District, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) said. The ICRC spokesperson, Sarasi Wijeratne, said the hospital was relocated to the new place with some 300 patients and the medical staff by February 4-evening.
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February - 4 
Following another clash between the two sides in the Pettakuttupuram Aru area of Mannar District, troops recovered the dead body of one militant along with one T-56 weapon, one T-56 magazine, five hand grenades, 30-mm detonator cord, 750 T-56 ammuni
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Following another clash between the two sides in the Pettakuttupuram Aru area of Mannar District, troops recovered the dead body of one militant along with one T-56 weapon, one T-56 magazine, five hand grenades, 30-mm detonator cord, 750 T-56 ammunition, several bottles of water, 14 torches, two remote control devices and four military packs.
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February - 4 
In his speech during the 61st Independence Day celebrations on February 4, President Mahinda Rajapakse declared that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would be 'decisively' defeated in the next few days, according to Rediff.com. "I am conf
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In his speech during the 61st Independence Day celebrations on February 4, President Mahinda Rajapakse declared that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would be 'decisively' defeated in the next few days, according to Rediff.com. "I am confident that in a few days we will decisively defeat the terrorist force that many repeatedly kept saying was invincible. Shadows of terrorism have almost been wiped out," Rajapakse noted.
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February - 4 
On February 4, troops clashed with the LTTE militants in the Visuamadu, Weerapuram, Vadduvakki, south and west of Puthukkudiyiruppu, Udayarkattikkulam and southwest of Kurvikulam areas inflicting heavy casualties upon the outfit. Several soldiers als
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On February 4, troops clashed with the LTTE militants in the Visuamadu, Weerapuram, Vadduvakki, south and west of Puthukkudiyiruppu, Udayarkattikkulam and southwest of Kurvikulam areas inflicting heavy casualties upon the outfit. Several soldiers also sustained injuries during these clashes. Separately, the SFs later recovered the dead body of one militant from the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. In Kuruwikulam southwest, the SFs captured a LTTE training camp.
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February - 4 
The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) does not use lethal munitions against innocent civilians in their war against terror. Cluster bombs are banned in the UN convention and Sri Lanka being a party to this c
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The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) does not use lethal munitions against innocent civilians in their war against terror. Cluster bombs are banned in the UN convention and Sri Lanka being a party to this convention, respects these laws. However, the LTTE uses lethal weapons banned by the UN convention and this has been amplified by the recent recovery of thermo - baric weapons in the north, the MCNS added. The MCNS was responding to an allegation by an UN representative that the SLA has bombed the Puthukuduiruppu hospital using cluster bombs. The Government had on February 2 asked all civilians to enter the demarcated 'safety zone' as soon as possible, cautioning that otherwise their security could not be guaranteed.
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February - 4 February - 5
The Security Forces (SFs) on February 5 captured the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) last Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) base of Chalai in the north of Mullaitivu after five days of fighting killing at least 12 Sea Tigers cadres, includin
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The Security Forces (SFs) on February 5 captured the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) last Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) base of Chalai in the north of Mullaitivu after five days of fighting killing at least 12 Sea Tigers cadres, including top leaders, as the Sea Tigers tried to stop the advance of the troops by attacking the ground troops launching five fast attack craft, Military officials told Daily News. Among those killed was a deputy leader known as Vinayagam, adds Colombo Page. In-charge of the LTTE land fighting, identified as Kader, and Pooneryn area Sea Tiger leader, identified as Pahalawan, were also killed, military sources said. Another Sea Tiger special leader, Sinna Kannan, was among nine militants killed in a separate clash at Chalai in the morning of February 4. In addition, on February 4, a LTTE suicide bomber, aged between 13-16 years, blew himself up after reaching soldiers in a location north of Chalai injuring one soldier, according to Sri Lanka Army (SLA). With the capture of the Chalai Sea Tiger Base, SFs have been able to reduce the coastal area under LTTE control to less than 15 kilometres, Daily News reported on February 5.
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February - 4 
The Sri Lanka Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, US and EU) appealed for a “temporary no-fire period” in Sri Lanka in a statement which also called on the LTTE to discuss with the Sri Lankan Government the modalities for ending hostilities, including laying d
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The Sri Lanka Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, US and EU) appealed for a “temporary no-fire period” in Sri Lanka in a statement which also called on the LTTE to discuss with the Sri Lankan Government the modalities for ending hostilities, including laying down of arms, renunciation of violence, acceptance of the Government’s offer of amnesty and participation as a political party in a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution. It urged the Government and the LTTE to declare a temporary no-fire period to allow evacuation of the sick and wounded and providing aid to civilians. Responding to the Co-Chairs statement, the pro-LTTE party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said it was the need to resist the physical subjugation of the Tamil people by the Sri Lankan state that led to the “advent of Tamil armed resistance and it is only the LTTE that is resisting the aforementioned genocidal designs of the Sri Lanka State”. The TNA argued that it had been the consistent position of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka that the “conflict between the Tamil nation and the Sinhala nation” is fundamentally political in nature and needs a political solution.
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February - 4 
The troops clashed with militants in the Vavuniya District and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with one T-81 weapon, one claymore mine, one remote control device, one hand held communication set and 30-mm long detonating
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The troops clashed with militants in the Vavuniya District and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with one T-81 weapon, one claymore mine, one remote control device, one hand held communication set and 30-mm long detonating cord. Separately, one suicide jacket was recovered by the SFs during a search operation in the Kokkuthuduvai area of Welioya.
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February - 4 
The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Miliband, in a joint statement released in Colombo, said they had discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka and affirmed their insiste
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The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Miliband, in a joint statement released in Colombo, said they had discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka and affirmed their insistence on a political resolution to the conflict, reports The Hindu. “The time to resume political discussions is now and we will continue to work with the Tokyo Co-Chairs, the Sri Lankan government, and the UN to facilitate such a process. Secretary Clinton and Foreign Secretary Miliband call on both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to agree to a temporary no-fire period. Both sides need to allow civilians and wounded to leave the conflict area and to grant access for humanitarian agencies,” the statement said.
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February - 4 
Xinhua reports that the Norwegian Government said that it had urged the LTTE to negotiate with the Sri Lankan Government for a cease-fire. "In order to protect thousands of civilians caught in the war zone, Norway has asked the LTTE guerrillas (Tamil
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Xinhua reports that the Norwegian Government said that it had urged the LTTE to negotiate with the Sri Lankan Government for a cease-fire. "In order to protect thousands of civilians caught in the war zone, Norway has asked the LTTE guerrillas (Tamil Tigers) to contact the central Sri Lanka government. This is now a precarious situation with many tens of casualties every day. We must avoid more civilian sufferings," Erik Solheim, Norway's Minister of International Development, was quoted as saying by the Norwegian online newspaper The Norway Post. He said that Norway has therefore joined the European Union (EU), United States (US) and Japan in a joint statement where they asked the two sides to stop fighting and negotiate a solution based on the LTTE ending its warfare and moving on to the use of political means.
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February - 5 
A hospital in the Udaiyaarkaddu area within the safe zone was shelled by the SLA killing at least seven civilians while injuring 27 others. Two ambulances and the medical store of the hospital were also destroyed.
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A hospital in the Udaiyaarkaddu area within the safe zone was shelled by the SLA killing at least seven civilians while injuring 27 others. Two ambulances and the medical store of the hospital were also destroyed.
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February - 5 
Australia on February 5 expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the conflict affected northern Sri Lanka and said it is contributing an additional $5 million in humanitarian assistance to the affected civilians. Australia will
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Australia on February 5 expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the conflict affected northern Sri Lanka and said it is contributing an additional $5 million in humanitarian assistance to the affected civilians. Australia will deliver this assistance through the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations, the Australian Foreign Ministry said. The Australian Government while calling on all those involved in the fighting to make protecting civilians an absolute priority urged the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE to declare a temporary no-fire period to allow for the evacuation of civilians. Issuing a statement the Foreign Minister's office especially urged the Sri Lankan community in Australia to pressure the LTTE to allow the civilians to leave. "We also call on the Sri Lankan community in Australia to add its weight to this call to help ensure that civilian life is protected," the Foreign Ministry said. Welcoming the calls by the Donor Co-Chair countries asking the LTTE to lay down arms and end hostilities, the Foreign Ministry said Australia reiterates the need for a political solution in Sri Lanka.
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February - 5 
Fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force neutralised a senior LTTE leaders’ gathering point and a communication centre in the north and northeast of Puthukkudiyiruppu, reports SLA.
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Fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force neutralised a senior LTTE leaders’ gathering point and a communication centre in the north and northeast of Puthukkudiyiruppu, reports SLA.
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February - 5 
Medical authorities said at least 500 civilians, including children and elderly, were killed and 2,000 wounded within the last three weeks, the Website further claimed. The figure was reportedly based on a conservative estimate as many people have bu
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Medical authorities said at least 500 civilians, including children and elderly, were killed and 2,000 wounded within the last three weeks, the Website further claimed. The figure was reportedly based on a conservative estimate as many people have buried their dead, under the prevailing circumstances of heavy artillery barrage, without being able to register the deaths.
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February - 5 
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake told Parliament on February 5 that under no circumstance will the Government suspend the ongoing military operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) until they are completely neutralised, Da
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Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake told Parliament on February 5 that under no circumstance will the Government suspend the ongoing military operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) until they are completely neutralised, Daily News reports. Speaking during the Emergency debate, the Prime Minister said, “… Therefore, no force has the power to stop the moves taken by the Government to eradicate terrorism.” The Prime Minister also said the Government is ready to welcome anybody who is willing to enter mainstream politics by laying down their weapons. The Parliament passed the State of Emergency for another month with a majority of 54 votes. Nearly 1,000 civilians arrived in Tharmapuram and Visuamadu after fleeing from the LTTE in Mullaitivu during the past 48 hours. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said over 700 civilians fleeing from the LTTE controlled areas sought protection from troops of the 58th division consolidating their positions in Tharmapuram and Visuamadu on February 5. He said the arrival of civilians had increased considerably. “There were children, elderly people and women among the 700 civilians who arrived from Mullaitivu. Civilians taking a risk crossed the uncleared area and reached the safety zone”, he added. Over 264 civilians had reached Tharmapuram and Visuamadu on February 4.
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February - 5 
The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) on February 5 fired more than 6,000 artillery shells inside the safety zone not allowing people to come out of bunkers throughout the day in the Chuthanthirapuram and Iruddumadu areas of Mullaitivu District killing 16 people,
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The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) on February 5 fired more than 6,000 artillery shells inside the safety zone not allowing people to come out of bunkers throughout the day in the Chuthanthirapuram and Iruddumadu areas of Mullaitivu District killing 16 people, claimed the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. Two of the 16 dead bodies of civilians brought to hospital had gunfire injuries, according to medical sources.
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February - 5 
Troops attached to the 57th Division took full control of Visuamadu by capturing the southern part while the 58th Division captured the northern part. ”Both 57 and 58 Divisions recovered large hauls of weapons, Tiger camps, hospitals and hideouts of
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Troops attached to the 57th Division took full control of Visuamadu by capturing the southern part while the 58th Division captured the northern part. ”Both 57 and 58 Divisions recovered large hauls of weapons, Tiger camps, hospitals and hideouts of the Tiger leaders during the search operations conducted by the troops during the past few days,” an unnamed official said. With the capture of Visuamadu and Chalai, the SFs have been able to confine the LTTE to an area less than 200 square kilometres. ”In actual terms they have been confined to 16 by 6 kilometres area in the Mullaitivu district,” an unnamed military official said. The LTTE is now left with only areas in the North, East and West of Puthukuduiruppu.
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February - 6 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told Daily News that it is unfortunate that spokesmen for INGOs, UN Agencies and other organizations hide most important facts when commenting on the plight of civilians in the Wanni. “The Government has demarcat
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told Daily News that it is unfortunate that spokesmen for INGOs, UN Agencies and other organizations hide most important facts when commenting on the plight of civilians in the Wanni. “The Government has demarcated an area equal to half the total area still to be cleared as a No fire zone and it is the LTTE that is keeping the civilians by force without allowing them to enter that zone. This is the main factor which these spokesperson hide,” added the Defence Secretary. “There is a well orchestrated campaign to discredit the Government and the Security Forces and bring pressure on it to declare a ceasefire by LTTE agents who have infiltrated international organizations and media institutions over a period of time. Referring to a statement made by these spokesmen alleging the Security Forces of using cluster bombs on civilian targets, he said that Sri Lanka does not have cluster bombs and questioned who is producing such weapons. The blame should go to those who produce and use such weapons and not to Sri Lanka who has not acquired them,” he added. Those who are in the pay books of the LTTE are fabricating stories to invent a scenario of a human catastrophe and are disseminating false information. For example, exaggerated figures of the number of civilians are given when the actual figures are much lower, he said. According to the Census of 2002 there was only a population of 208,000 in the Mullaittivu District and over 60,000 of them are now living in Colombo. A similar number resides in other areas such as Vavuniya, Anuradhapura and the Central Province. The actual number of civilians trapped in the Wanni is less than 100,000. A recent estimate provided by the Government Agent confirms this, the Defence Secretary explained. The Defence Secretary appealed to the media and to all who are interested in the plight of civilians to tell the whole truth and not hide the main fact of the LTTE keeping them hostage.
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February - 6 
On February 5, following another confrontation between the two sides in the areas west of Kuravikulam and Kuravikulam areas the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with 11 T-56 weapons, three Light Machine Guns (
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On February 5, following another confrontation between the two sides in the areas west of Kuravikulam and Kuravikulam areas the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with 11 T-56 weapons, three Light Machine Guns (LMG), two RPG bombs, one 60 mm mortar, ten 81 mm mortar bombs, 260 Arul bombs, 6000 electric detonators, four hundred rounds of 20 mm ammunition, five hundred and seventy 570 hand grenades, seven rounds of 23 mm ammunition, two I-com sets, one tractor trailer, one trailer water browser, one water pump, one photocopier and one TV set.
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February - 6 
On February 6, an unspecified number of militants were killed in clashes with troops in the Kuppilankulam and Thuvarankulam areas. The SFs also captured a LTTE camp in the Thuvarankulam area. During subsequent search operations, SFs recovered the dea
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On February 6, an unspecified number of militants were killed in clashes with troops in the Kuppilankulam and Thuvarankulam areas. The SFs also captured a LTTE camp in the Thuvarankulam area. During subsequent search operations, SFs recovered the dead bodies of six militants along with two T-56 weapons, one air conditioned bus, Scamal vehicle, one car, one single cab, 40 barrels of kerosene oil and 100 barrels of Diesel. Separately, SFs continued operations in the LTTE-held areas south and west of Puthukkudiyiruppu and Kuppilankulam killing several militants. They later recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with eight T-56 weapons, 24 hand grenade, twenty-two 60-mm mortar bombs, one RPG bomb, two I-com sets, two maps and five code sheets.
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February - 6 
Sri Lanka Army said that the LTTE is now restricted to only 172 square kilometres of land in the Mullaittivu District. Speaking at a press briefing held in Colombo military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that all the Army divisions are no
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Sri Lanka Army said that the LTTE is now restricted to only 172 square kilometres of land in the Mullaittivu District. Speaking at a press briefing held in Colombo military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that all the Army divisions are now carrying out their operations based on one map. The forces are pounding the LTTE to limited areas day by day, the military spokesman further said. Following the capture of 17 Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) camps from Selawathura on the Western coast to Pooneryn and nine Sea Tiger camps from Nagerkowil and Kokakuthudu on the Eastern coast, the entire Sea Tiger power has been destroyed, military spokesman said. Brigadier Nanayakkara said that 6,590 civilians have safely reached the Government controlled areas since January 1. According to the spokesman, 3,848 persons in January 2009 and 2,472 in February, including 1,637 on February 5 and 600 on February 6, have arrived in the cleared areas (area under Government control) of Dharmapuram and Visuamadu areas and sought refuge.
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February - 6 
Sri Lanka defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on February 6 said that only about 700 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants remain in the outfit’s force now, according to Colombo Page. The Defence Spokesman denied that 200,000
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Sri Lanka defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on February 6 said that only about 700 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants remain in the outfit’s force now, according to Colombo Page. The Defence Spokesman denied that 200,000 civilians are trapped in the territory of now shrunk to about 160 square kilometres, 40 per cent of which has been cleared a no war zone throughout the period of conflict.
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February - 6 
The SFs clashed with the LTTE militants in the areas Virakulam, north of Ettakokavilkulam, Kuravikulam and Kuravikulam west inflicting an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants and also captured a large stock of arms and ammunition from
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The SFs clashed with the LTTE militants in the areas Virakulam, north of Ettakokavilkulam, Kuravikulam and Kuravikulam west inflicting an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants and also captured a large stock of arms and ammunition from these areas.
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February - 6 
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bombed Ponnampalam hospital in Puthukkudiyiruppu killing 61 patients on Friday 6. Casualty figures from the SLA shelling in Puthukkudiyiruppu were not available, the Website reported.
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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bombed Ponnampalam hospital in Puthukkudiyiruppu killing 61 patients on Friday 6. Casualty figures from the SLA shelling in Puthukkudiyiruppu were not available, the Website reported.
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February - 6 
The troops killed one more LTTE militant in the Pudakkadu area. Another LTTE militant was killed by the troops in the Kallikulam area. Troops also neutralised one bunker and injured another soldier.
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The troops killed one more LTTE militant in the Pudakkadu area. Another LTTE militant was killed by the troops in the Kallikulam area. Troops also neutralised one bunker and injured another soldier.
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February - 6 
The Website further reported that more than 100 SLA soldiers were killed in a Black Tigers (cadres of the suicide wing of the LTTE) attack targeting soldiers in the Keappaapulavu area, according to February 4 edition of Eezha Naatham daily, the only
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The Website further reported that more than 100 SLA soldiers were killed in a Black Tigers (cadres of the suicide wing of the LTTE) attack targeting soldiers in the Keappaapulavu area, according to February 4 edition of Eezha Naatham daily, the only newspaper printed in LTTE-controlled territory. The Black Tigers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the SLA installation and the LTTE commandos stormed the 'box' and brought it under their control.
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February - 6 
Troops conducted search operations in the Kariyalvayal, Sinnavillu and Nedunkerni areas and recovered 15 T-56 weapons, 18 T-56 magazines, 70 hand grenades, one RPG launcher, three RPG bombs, three radio sets, two belt orders and one communication ant
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Troops conducted search operations in the Kariyalvayal, Sinnavillu and Nedunkerni areas and recovered 15 T-56 weapons, 18 T-56 magazines, 70 hand grenades, one RPG launcher, three RPG bombs, three radio sets, two belt orders and one communication antenna. Also, troops of 58th Division captured a Mitsubishi Pajero jeep used by a LTTE leader in the Vairakulam area following confrontations.
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February - 6 
Troops overran the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) ‘Radha Regiment’ headquarters at Visuamadu in the morning of February 6, reports Sri Lanka Army. Addressing the media at the Media Centre for National Security, Military spokesman Brigadier
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Troops overran the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) ‘Radha Regiment’ headquarters at Visuamadu in the morning of February 6, reports Sri Lanka Army. Addressing the media at the Media Centre for National Security, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the ‘Radha Regiment’ was in Theravilkulam, along the Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) main road. “This base was considered to be a main training and operational facility of the LTTE. Training had been conducted especially for the LTTE’s ‘Victor Anti Tank unit’, a sub unit of the ‘Radha Regiment’. They were responsible for providing security to LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran and its Air Force wing,” he added. Brigadier Nanayakkara noted that facing heavy fire from troops, LTTE cadres fled the area without even taking their flag and equipment. “The LTTE’s so called ‘elite regiment’ had fled leaving the dead and a haul of weapons. The ‘Radha Regiment’ is led by a senior LTTE cadre identified as Ratnam,” he further added.
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February - 7 
Amid continued fighting in small pockets of Mullaitivu District, the military said 5,100 civilians trapped in the LTTE held territory had been rescued. The Defence Ministry said the civilians had sought refuge with the soldiers deployed in the Dharma
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Amid continued fighting in small pockets of Mullaitivu District, the military said 5,100 civilians trapped in the LTTE held territory had been rescued. The Defence Ministry said the civilians had sought refuge with the soldiers deployed in the Dharmapuram, Visuamadu and Kuppilankuam areas. “The army offensive elements continue to manoeuvre with tact and care to the remaining LTTE hiding areas in Wanni providing more escape routes to the civilians under the terror clutches,” it said.
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February - 7 
At least 121 civilians were killed in shelling by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) inside the safety zone in the Chuthanthirapuram, Iruddumadu, Udaiyaarkaddu and Theavipuram areas of Mullaitivu District within the last 48 hours, the pro-Liberation Tigers of
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At least 121 civilians were killed in shelling by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) inside the safety zone in the Chuthanthirapuram, Iruddumadu, Udaiyaarkaddu and Theavipuram areas of Mullaitivu District within the last 48 hours, the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net reported on February 8. At least 59 civilians were killed on February 6 and more than 62 killed on and February 7.
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February - 7 
At least 34 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed when the Security Forces (SFs) foiled an LTTE infiltration attempt through the SFs Forward Defence Line (FDL) in the south of Puthukkudiyiruppu in the afternoon of February 7,
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At least 34 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed when the Security Forces (SFs) foiled an LTTE infiltration attempt through the SFs Forward Defence Line (FDL) in the south of Puthukkudiyiruppu in the afternoon of February 7, according to Sri Lanka Army.
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February - 7 
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told his Danish counterpart Per Stig Moller that Colombo stood for a pluralistic society and devolution of powers from the centre to the periphery would be offered within democratic framework. A “devolution packag
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Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told his Danish counterpart Per Stig Moller that Colombo stood for a pluralistic society and devolution of powers from the centre to the periphery would be offered within democratic framework. A “devolution package” would be worked out for the north within a democratic framework as the security and welfare of the civilians is of “paramount importance” to the Government.
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February - 7 
The Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) on February 7 said its fighter jets destroyed a hideout of the Sea Tiger [sea wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)] chief Soosai located one kilometre northeast of Puthukuduiruppu junction in the Mullait
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The Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) on February 7 said its fighter jets destroyed a hideout of the Sea Tiger [sea wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)] chief Soosai located one kilometre northeast of Puthukuduiruppu junction in the Mullaitivu District and claimed that he could either have been killed or wounded in the attack, reports The Hindu. The SLAF spokesperson Janaka Nanayakkara said 11 LTTE militants, including a very senior militant, were killed in the attack. He said the initial strike was to destroy an underground bunker and a “luxury house” of Soosai. It was followed with another on observation that the LTTE militant were making a desperate attempt to dig out the location with three earth moving vehicles.
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February - 8 
Clashes were reported between the troops and militants in the Ramanadapuram south and Visuamadu east areas. However, the casualty was not specified. During subsequent search operations, the SFs recovered one air craft bomb, 83 hand grenades, one body
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Clashes were reported between the troops and militants in the Ramanadapuram south and Visuamadu east areas. However, the casualty was not specified. During subsequent search operations, the SFs recovered one air craft bomb, 83 hand grenades, one body armor, six chargers, 102 Arul bombs, three RPG bombs with chargers, 20 detonators, one round of ammunition for RCL weapon, one 81-mm mortar bomb, one T-56 weapon, one double cab, one single cab and one tractor from these areas. Troops also captured a LTTE camp and a burial ground of the outfit closer to it. The burial ground consisted of about 4700 tombs of LTTE militants killed in different clashes. In a search conducted in the camp, troops recovered one backhoe vehicle, one tractor, one container, one antenna, one TATA cab, a barrel of a large weapon and a bipod of a gun from the inside of the camp. In the same area, troops also found one large building and two small buildings used by the militants as a garment factory. Two T-56 weapons, one communication set and one jeep were recovered at the factory premises.
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February - 8 
Daily News reports that naval craft patrolling the sea off Mullaitivu in a predawn attack on February 8 destroyed two LTTE boats just a few minutes after it was detected on the radar screen. According to Navy spokesman Captain D.K.P. Dassanayake, Dov
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Daily News reports that naval craft patrolling the sea off Mullaitivu in a predawn attack on February 8 destroyed two LTTE boats just a few minutes after it was detected on the radar screen. According to Navy spokesman Captain D.K.P. Dassanayake, Dovra high speed naval craft had given chase and fired at the fleeing LTTE boats killing at least six militants. Two dead bodies of the militants have been recovered so far, he added.
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February - 8 
Fighter Jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force neutralised two LTTE camps north east and north-west of Puthukkudiyiruppu junction.
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Fighter Jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force neutralised two LTTE camps north east and north-west of Puthukkudiyiruppu junction.
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February - 8 
Police recovered two Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) rounds, two anti-personnel mines, 132 T-56 ammunition rounds and two hand grenades from the Almanagar area of Trincomalee District on February 8, reported Sri Lanka Army. In addition, Police recover
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Police recovered two Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) rounds, two anti-personnel mines, 132 T-56 ammunition rounds and two hand grenades from the Almanagar area of Trincomalee District on February 8, reported Sri Lanka Army. In addition, Police recovered one claymore mine weighing five kilograms, one military pack, one landmine booster charge and 500 Multi Purpose Machine Gun ammunition rounds from the Kadiraweli area of Batticaloa District.
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February - 8 
The SLA continued indiscriminate barrage of artillery shelling on the safety zone killing more than 80 civilians and injuring 200 on February 8. Most of the casualties were reported along the roads. Further, a shell exploded inside a bunker in Vallip
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The SLA continued indiscriminate barrage of artillery shelling on the safety zone killing more than 80 civilians and injuring 200 on February 8. Most of the casualties were reported along the roads. Further, a shell exploded inside a bunker in Vallipuan, killing three persons and injuring four others. More than 500 houses and huts were damaged in the shelling.
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February - 8 
The SLA reported that LTTE militants fired at civilians who were fleeing the outfit-held areas killing three of them while injuring three others.
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The SLA reported that LTTE militants fired at civilians who were fleeing the outfit-held areas killing three of them while injuring three others.
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February - 8 
The Sri Lankan military on February 8 claimed that over 10,000 civilians trapped in the war zone have crossed over to the safe zone in the first week of February. While 5600 civilians, including children and women, reached the troops in Puthukkudiyir
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The Sri Lankan military on February 8 claimed that over 10,000 civilians trapped in the war zone have crossed over to the safe zone in the first week of February. While 5600 civilians, including children and women, reached the troops in Puthukkudiyiruppu on February 7, 5100 civilians escaped reached the army controlled areas of Darmapuram, Visuamadu and Kuppilankulam on February 6. As per Government estimates of February 1, there were 1.2 lakh civilians held up in the LTTE-held territory in the Mullaitivu District.
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February - 8 
Troops clashed with the militants in the Pullopalai, Ramanadapuram, Visuamadu and Mullaitivu areas and claimed inflicting heavy casualties upon the outfit. The SFs, however, recovered the dead body of one militant along with one 81-mm mortar gun, one
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Troops clashed with the militants in the Pullopalai, Ramanadapuram, Visuamadu and Mullaitivu areas and claimed inflicting heavy casualties upon the outfit. The SFs, however, recovered the dead body of one militant along with one 81-mm mortar gun, one 60-mm mortar gun, two Rocket Propeller Grenades (RPG), 26 hand grenades, two 152-mm mortar shells, ten 122-mm mortar shells, one T-56 weapon, one I-com set and thirty-five 210 litres diesel barrels from the these areas.
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February - 8 
Troops killed seven LTTE militants in fierce clashes at a strategic township near Mullaitivu, the military said on February 9, according to Hindustan Times. The SFs pushed through the LTTE barricade at Sugandirapuram in the north of Irruttumadu and e
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Troops killed seven LTTE militants in fierce clashes at a strategic township near Mullaitivu, the military said on February 9, according to Hindustan Times. The SFs pushed through the LTTE barricade at Sugandirapuram in the north of Irruttumadu and entered the township on February 8 despite intermittent LTTE resistance attacks. The SFs subsequently recovered the dead bodies of seven militants along with five T-56 assault rifles, a combat camouflaged jeep and a land cruiser.
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February - 9 
A Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) woman suicide bomber mingling with a group of displaced civilians coming from un-cleared areas (area not under Government control) blew herself up at Sugandirapuram in the Mullaitivu District, at around 11.40
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A Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) woman suicide bomber mingling with a group of displaced civilians coming from un-cleared areas (area not under Government control) blew herself up at Sugandirapuram in the Mullaitivu District, at around 11.40 am (SLST) on February 9, killing 28 people and injuring more than 60 others, Daily News reported. Among the dead were 20 Security Force (SF) personnel and eight civilians. 24 soldiers were among the 60 injured persons. Initial reports said that the bomber, who had come with around 1,000 displaced civilians from un-cleared areas of Mullaitivu, blew herself up, when a woman soldier tried to body check her at a checkpoint prior to being taken to a transit welfare centre. Earlier on February 4, a 13-year-old child suicide bomber blew herself up targeting the troops in Chalai, injuring one soldier.
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February - 9 
During search operations in the Thuvarankulam area, the SF recovered three T-56 weapons, one I-com communication set and two SUVs, according to Sri Lanka Army. Meanwhile, troops in the Chalai area recovered one excavator vehicle, six T-56 weapons, th
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During search operations in the Thuvarankulam area, the SF recovered three T-56 weapons, one I-com communication set and two SUVs, according to Sri Lanka Army. Meanwhile, troops in the Chalai area recovered one excavator vehicle, six T-56 weapons, three Multi Purpose Machine Guns (MPMG), 10 hand grenades, 155 anti-personnel mines (APMs), one MPMG drum, 100 MPMG ammunition links, forty 12.7 anti-aircraft ammunition rounds, forty-five T-56 ammunition rounds, forty-five .5 anti- aircraft ammunition rounds, one T-56 magazine, one military pack and five 2.5 V batteries. In addition, 15 hand grenades, seven anti-tank mines, three claymore mines, nine APMs, two slabs of TNT explosives and three jumping mines were recovered by the SFs from Ramanathapuram area.
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February - 9 
On February 9, the SFs attacked LTTE camps in the Kuppilankulam and south of Puthukudirippu areas inflicting an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants. Several soldiers also sustained injuries in small arms fire by the LTTE.
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On February 9, the SFs attacked LTTE camps in the Kuppilankulam and south of Puthukudirippu areas inflicting an unspecified number of casualties upon the militants. Several soldiers also sustained injuries in small arms fire by the LTTE.
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February - 9 
Security Forces (SFs) captured the Western part of Kuruwilkulam following clashes that commenced from February 9-night. Brigadier Nanayakkara said, “A small group of LTTE cadres facing the full brunt of the troops fled the area with the troops inflic
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Security Forces (SFs) captured the Western part of Kuruwilkulam following clashes that commenced from February 9-night. Brigadier Nanayakkara said, “A small group of LTTE cadres facing the full brunt of the troops fled the area with the troops inflicting heavy casualties among the Tigers and took control of the West of Kuruwilkulam on Tuesday morning.” Troops consolidating their positions recovered a container full of Multi Purpose Machine Gun and T56 ammunition. Kuruwilkulam is located East of Vishvamadu and North of Udayanarkattukulam along the south of the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) Road. The LTTE territory is reportedly confined to 96 square kilometres.
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February - 9 
The founder of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) party and Member of Parliament, Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias ‘Colonel’ Karuna Amman, has said that he will join the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in the near future, Colombo
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The founder of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) party and Member of Parliament, Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias ‘Colonel’ Karuna Amman, has said that he will join the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in the near future, Colombo Page reports. Making a special statement to the media, Karuna said that he will obtain the SLFP membership within the next three weeks. He could convert all offices of his political party in the Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara Districts as SLFP offices after obtaining the membership in the ruling party. He claimed that the Eastern Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan will be alone in the TMVP following his crossover as a large number of party supporters are getting ready to join with SLFP.
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February - 9 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants triggered a pressure mine explosion targeting a team of Special Task Force (STF) members travelling on a tractor in the Onkanda area of Batticaloa District in the morning of February 9, killing tw
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants triggered a pressure mine explosion targeting a team of Special Task Force (STF) members travelling on a tractor in the Onkanda area of Batticaloa District in the morning of February 9, killing two STF personnel, reported Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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February - 9 
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets neutralised a camouflaged Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) building in a jungle area of Wellamulla Waikkal on February 9. The entire building complex, including Sea Tiger boats and tractors, were completely
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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets neutralised a camouflaged Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) building in a jungle area of Wellamulla Waikkal on February 9. The entire building complex, including Sea Tiger boats and tractors, were completely destroyed, the Media Centre for National Security said. The SLAF’s Kfir and MIG-27 fighter jets also shelled a Sea Tiger facility located north of Mullaitivu lagoon.
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February - 9 
The Sri Lankan Government told a high-level United Nations delegation in Colombo on February 9 that the LTTE maintains a hostile approach towards the exodus of civilians from the Wanni region and the casualties caused by it is under-reported, reports
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The Sri Lankan Government told a high-level United Nations delegation in Colombo on February 9 that the LTTE maintains a hostile approach towards the exodus of civilians from the Wanni region and the casualties caused by it is under-reported, reports Rediff.com. "The surge of civilians leaving the conflict zone, numbering in excess of 20,000, is encouraging even though the LTTE regrettably maintains a hostile approach on the exodus of civilians," Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said.
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February - 10 
19 civilians, including five women and two children, and 75 others, including 30 women and 28 children, injured as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants opened fire on a group of civilians fleeing the outfit-held areas of Puthukkudiyi
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19 civilians, including five women and two children, and 75 others, including 30 women and 28 children, injured as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants opened fire on a group of civilians fleeing the outfit-held areas of Puthukkudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu district in the morning of February 10, according to Colombo Page. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the LTTE attacked the civilians seeking refuge with the soldiers in Udayarkattikkulam. These civilians had arrived at the rescue point in the Udayarkattikkulam area between 6:00 am (SLST) and 7:00 am. Despite the attack, Task Force-II soldiers operating in the west of Puthukkudiyiruppu rescued about 1,046 Tamil civilians escaping the LTTE human shield in Wanni, the military added.
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February - 10 
A LTTE militant was killed when he attempted to shoot officials from the Kalawanchikudi STF camp. The officials were conducting a search operation on a tip-off provided by an arrested militant identified as Udayakumar Kamalan, who had deserted LTTE r
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A LTTE militant was killed when he attempted to shoot officials from the Kalawanchikudi STF camp. The officials were conducting a search operation on a tip-off provided by an arrested militant identified as Udayakumar Kamalan, who had deserted LTTE ranks at Eruvil on February 6, Daily News reports.
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February - 10 
During a search operation conducted after clashes in the north of Mullaitivu town, troops of the 59th Division recovered one T-56 weapon, one T-56 magazine, 30 rounds of ammunition, two hand grenades, six batteries, two man packs and several food ite
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During a search operation conducted after clashes in the north of Mullaitivu town, troops of the 59th Division recovered one T-56 weapon, one T-56 magazine, 30 rounds of ammunition, two hand grenades, six batteries, two man packs and several food items from the area. Further, the SFs recovered 10 Tri Nitro Toluene explosive slabs, one anti-personnel mine, 10 fuses, one Jonny mine, one RPG round and 35 Bangalore from the Ramanadapuram area.
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February - 10 
MI 24 fighter helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force neutralised an LTTE camp about one kilometre south of the Puthukkudiyiruppu-Paranthan road.
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MI 24 fighter helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force neutralised an LTTE camp about one kilometre south of the Puthukkudiyiruppu-Paranthan road.
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February - 10 
On February 10, troops conducted search operations in Tissapura, Kudavilachcholai and Kadiraweli areas of Trincomalee District and recovered one disposable Rocket Propeller Gun from Tissapura, one weapon similar to 40-mm grenade launcher from Kudavil
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On February 10, troops conducted search operations in Tissapura, Kudavilachcholai and Kadiraweli areas of Trincomalee District and recovered one disposable Rocket Propeller Gun from Tissapura, one weapon similar to 40-mm grenade launcher from Kudavilachcholai and one claymore mine weighing about five kilograms, one hand grenade, one claymore mine stand, one 9-m long detonator code and one hand held communication set from the Kadiraweli area, reported Sri Lanka Army.
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February - 10 
Several soldiers engaged in clearing operations in the Vishvamadu area of Mullaitivu District reportedly sustained injuries in explosions of booby traps on February 10. Further, the SFs recovered 10 anti-personnel mines during a search operation cond
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Several soldiers engaged in clearing operations in the Vishvamadu area of Mullaitivu District reportedly sustained injuries in explosions of booby traps on February 10. Further, the SFs recovered 10 anti-personnel mines during a search operation conducted in the same area.
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February - 10 
The Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan blamed the Government over lack of attention to the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC), reports Colombo Page. The Chief Minister said that although eight months have passe
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The Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan blamed the Government over lack of attention to the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC), reports Colombo Page. The Chief Minister said that although eight months have passed since his election to the EPC he was not granted permission to do any development work in the province by the central Government. According to him, the peace secretariat established to develop national unity in the Eastern region was also not granted permission for any legal activity.
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February - 10 
The Government has asked all parties, including United Nations aid agencies, providing relief supplies to refugees in Wanni to ensure that they operate within the framework approved by the Government. The move follows the grossly exaggerated estimate
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The Government has asked all parties, including United Nations aid agencies, providing relief supplies to refugees in Wanni to ensure that they operate within the framework approved by the Government. The move follows the grossly exaggerated estimates of population living in the LTTE-controlled areas by human rights and aid agencies. The Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe, said that it had come to the Government's notice that the count of 20,000 families in Kilinochchi has been duplicated. According to the Red Cross, about 250,000 Tamil civilians are trapped in Wanni and that they needed protection - a figure that Colombo disputes. The Government estimates the total number of persons living in Wanni at about 120,000 out of which 17,000 have escaped to the Government-controlled areas in February alone. "We do not want to go into figures but they are grossly exaggerated," Samarasinghe said, adding, "The organizations have to ensure that they operate within a framework which we put forward. These conditions apply to the World Food Program as well." He said the Government was committed to providing relief to the civilians in LTTE "captivity" as well. "The government has provided about 38,000 metric tons of food to the displaced people of Wanni since October besides 8,000 tons by the WFP," he said.
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February - 10 
The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is to be invited to the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) which is expected to soon complete deliberations towards a future power sharing mechanism for Sri La
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The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is to be invited to the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) which is expected to soon complete deliberations towards a future power sharing mechanism for Sri Lanka, the All Party Representative committee (APRC) Chairman Tissa Vitharana said, according to Daily News. He said: "I feel that the TNA should now realise the genuine needs and aspirations of Tamils should be expressed, not just the needs of the LTTE.” With the emerging developments in the North, Vitharana said the TNA should play a more positive role towards finding a permanent political solution. He said a formal invitation will be despatched inviting the TNA to take part in deliberations.
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February - 10 
The SFs observed a group of three armed LTTE militants on two motorbikes in the Surantharanpuram area and opened fire at them killing all of them on the spot, according to Sri Lanka Army. Subsequently, the troops recovered the dead bodies of three mi
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The SFs observed a group of three armed LTTE militants on two motorbikes in the Surantharanpuram area and opened fire at them killing all of them on the spot, according to Sri Lanka Army. Subsequently, the troops recovered the dead bodies of three militants along with their weapons, two radio sets and two motorbikes.
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February - 10 
Three claymore bombs, eight Johnny mines, eight fuses, four detonators, 50 metres flexible wire, two live grenades, 7.5 kilograms of high explosives two pieces of detonator cord, one roll tape, three nine volt batteries, 14 (9-mm) cartridges, 175 T-5
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Three claymore bombs, eight Johnny mines, eight fuses, four detonators, 50 metres flexible wire, two live grenades, 7.5 kilograms of high explosives two pieces of detonator cord, one roll tape, three nine volt batteries, 14 (9-mm) cartridges, 175 T-56 ammunition and two black bags were recovered from the area.
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February - 10 
Troops of the 22nd Division conducted a search and clear operation in the Ethabindunuwewa area and recovered one remote controller of a claymore mine, five feet long detonator code and three anti-personnel mines hidden from the area, reported SLA. Tr
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Troops of the 22nd Division conducted a search and clear operation in the Ethabindunuwewa area and recovered one remote controller of a claymore mine, five feet long detonator code and three anti-personnel mines hidden from the area, reported SLA. Troops also recovered two hand grenades from the Vellatottam area. Further, the Eravur Police recovered one T-56 weapon, one magazine and 130 rounds of ammunition.
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February - 10 
Troops recovered three T-56 weapons, forty two 60-mm mortar launchers and 41 Rocket Propeller Guns (RPG) from an unspecified location in Mullaitivu.
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Troops recovered three T-56 weapons, forty two 60-mm mortar launchers and 41 Rocket Propeller Guns (RPG) from an unspecified location in Mullaitivu.
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February - 10 
Two more civilians succumbed to their injuries raising the death toll in the February 9 suicide blast at Vishvamadu to 30.
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Two more civilians succumbed to their injuries raising the death toll in the February 9 suicide blast at Vishvamadu to 30.
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February - 11 
1500 rounds of T-56 ammunition, five hand grenades, two 60-mm mortar bombs, two 6V batteries, 16 claymore mine covers, four claymore mine stands, one remote control unit, one cap and 10 LTTE pamphlets were recovered by the troops from the Thunukkai a
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1500 rounds of T-56 ammunition, five hand grenades, two 60-mm mortar bombs, two 6V batteries, 16 claymore mine covers, four claymore mine stands, one remote control unit, one cap and 10 LTTE pamphlets were recovered by the troops from the Thunukkai and Akkarayankulam areas.
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February - 11 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran will soon have to "pay" for attacking various religious places in the island nation in the past 25 years, reports Express Buzz. "Prabhakaran will have to pay for carrying out
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran will soon have to "pay" for attacking various religious places in the island nation in the past 25 years, reports Express Buzz. "Prabhakaran will have to pay for carrying out attacks on religious places, including Dalada Maligawa or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic," Rajapakse told an election rally in Kandy, 115 kilometres from capital Colombo.
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February - 11 
Task Force-IV troops currently conducting search and clear operations in the south of Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu District found one 12 feet-long pressing and cutting machine of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the morning of Februa
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Task Force-IV troops currently conducting search and clear operations in the south of Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu District found one 12 feet-long pressing and cutting machine of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the morning of February 11, according to Sri Lanka Army report. In addition, the Security Forces (SFs) also found a LTTE printing press along with several cut-outs of the outfit’s chief Velupillai Prabhakaran from the Surantharanpuram north area. A hand grenade manufacturing location of the organization was also found in the area adjacent to it.
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February - 11 
The Government on February 11 said that over 32,500 civilians out of the total population of 113, 832 in the Mullaitivu District have fled the un-cleared areas (area not under Government control) and sought protection with the Security Forces, report
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The Government on February 11 said that over 32,500 civilians out of the total population of 113, 832 in the Mullaitivu District have fled the un-cleared areas (area not under Government control) and sought protection with the Security Forces, reported Daily News. Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said 6,000 civilians have arrived per day in cleared areas (area under Government control) since last week and the Government has launched a comprehensive programme to ensure their safety and welfare. The Minister said the number of civilians coming to cleared areas have seen a drastic rise since last week despite a series of attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). These civilians, initially accommodated at temporary camps, are taken to welfare villages where all facilities have been made available for them within two days, the Minister said. Meanwhile, the Government has allocated another SLR 50 million to provide necessary facilities to fleeing civilians in the Northern part of the country, Colombo Page adds. The LTTE, which has been disappointed with the way the exodus of civilians fleeing from the LTTE-held area, have forced the civilians to go further North East of Puthukuduiruppu and South of Chalai in their bid to keep them under their control for a long period, military sources told Daily News. "The LTTE had pushed the civilians towards the Putumatalan area North East of Puthukuduyiruppu", military officials said.
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February - 11 February - 12
The Security Forces (SFs) clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Mullaitivu District killing at least 28 militants, the Defence ministry said on February 12, reports IANS. “Snipers deployed in the forward areas conf
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The Security Forces (SFs) clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Mullaitivu District killing at least 28 militants, the Defence ministry said on February 12, reports IANS. “Snipers deployed in the forward areas confirmed shooting down 23 terrorists at various locations during daytime,” the ministry said, adding, five militants were killed in separate clashes. It said the troops captured a 'highly fortified' camp of the LTTE at Sinnavillu area on February 11 and recovered a large cache of weapons, including four 120-mm mortar guns and two 81-mm mortar guns, along with a couple of vehicles believed to have been used by the top LTTE leaders. It further said the 58th Division troops operating in the north of Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) have made 'significant gains' on the battleground since last week.
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February - 11 
The United States (US) Department of Treasury on February 11 designated the Maryland-based Tamil Foundation as a front organization of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) under Executive Order 13224 which targets terrorists and those providin
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The United States (US) Department of Treasury on February 11 designated the Maryland-based Tamil Foundation as a front organization of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) under Executive Order 13224 which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism, Colombo Page reported. The Treasury Department announced that under the Executive Order, any assets the Tamil Foundation (TF) has under US jurisdiction are frozen, and US persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the TF. The head of the TF is also the president of the Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) in the United States, which was banned in the US as a terrorist support group in November 2007. The statement said the TF and TRO have co-mingled funds and carried out coordinated financial actions for some time and the two organizations were linked through a matching gift programme facilitated by the common leadership of both. "The LTTE, like other terrorist groups, has relied on so-called charities to raise funds and advance its violent aims," said Adam J. Szubin, Director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, adding, "We will continue to aggressively target attempts by any terrorist group to hide behind charities, front companies, or name changes to propagate terror against innocents around the world." The TF is reportedly registered and based at 517 E. Oldtown Road, Cumberland, MD 21502, with a Tax ID number of 52-1699409.
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February - 11 
Twelve 60-mm bombs were recovered by the troops during search and clear operations in the Manalkadu area of Jaffna District.
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Twelve 60-mm bombs were recovered by the troops during search and clear operations in the Manalkadu area of Jaffna District.
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February - 12 
At least 12 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed and an equal number of them injured as clashes erupted between the Security Forces (SFs) and militants in the area south of Puthukudirippu in Mullaitivu District on February 12
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At least 12 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed and an equal number of them injured as clashes erupted between the Security Forces (SFs) and militants in the area south of Puthukudirippu in Mullaitivu District on February 12, reports Sri Lanka Army. An unspecified number of soldiers also sustained injuries during these clashes.
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February - 12 
Puniyamoorthy Sathiyamoorthy, a journalist, was killed in the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) artillery attack targeting the Theavipuram 'safety zone' in Mullaitivu District on February 12, reports the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net. The Website also claimed that m
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Puniyamoorthy Sathiyamoorthy, a journalist, was killed in the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) artillery attack targeting the Theavipuram 'safety zone' in Mullaitivu District on February 12, reports the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net. The Website also claimed that more than 50 civilians were feared killed in Theavipuram and Valipunam in the SLA artillery attack on February 13.
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February - 12 
Security Forces in Wanni on February 12 declared a new Safe Zone demarcating 12 kilometers along on the western boundary of the Mullaitivu lagoon on humanitarian grounds to rescue civilians trapped by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Mu
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Security Forces in Wanni on February 12 declared a new Safe Zone demarcating 12 kilometers along on the western boundary of the Mullaitivu lagoon on humanitarian grounds to rescue civilians trapped by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Mullaitivu, said military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, according to Daily News. The 12 kilometers long strip, beginning from the northwest of Vadduvakal to the west, and north of Vadduvakal to the eastern coastal boundary, runs up to south of Palamattalan on the western side. On the coastal belt up to the extreme north, the eastern strip ends at the southeast of Palamattalan. The area between the northwest of Vadduvakal to the north of Vaddukal that touches the eastern sea boundary is about two kilometers in width and the extent at the northern end of the strip, touching Palamattalan area is about one kilometer in breadth. The entire un-cleared (area not under Government control) coastal area from the north of Vadduvakal in the demarcated zone includes villages, Vellaimullavaikkal, Karayamullivaikkal, Velayanmadam, Ampelavanpokkanai and Putumattalan in the 12 kilometers long strip. He said the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has already been informed of the new Safe Zone. In a response to the ICRC appealing to the Government and the LTTE to meet their obligation under international humanitarian law to spare the wounded, the sick, medical personnel, and medical facilities at all times, Defence Affairs spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government is fully respecting and adhering to the international humanitarian law. “We do our fullest and every single effort to safeguard stranded civilians in the Wanni and bring them down to the safe zone amidst indiscriminate LTTE fire on civilians seeking protection with the Security Forces… The ICRC must go to the LTTE held areas and pressure the Tigers to release civilians to reach the Safe Zone,” he added.
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February - 12 
The Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) said it has begun to disarm its cadres in line with its recent policy. The Eastern Province Chief Minister and TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan told Daily Mirror, “We have begun to disarm the ca
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The Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) said it has begun to disarm its cadres in line with its recent policy. The Eastern Province Chief Minister and TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan told Daily Mirror, “We have begun to disarm the cadres. There is no need for our cadres to have arms now. We hope to complete the process soon,” adding, his cadres were now receiving vocational training and preparing for overseas employment. Chandrakanthan added that on par with other political parties, his party offices and cadres too had received Police protection due to the threats they had received by the LTTE. However, he added that such threats had become less in the past weeks due to the defeat of the LTTE in the North. He added that while most of the military wing had now disarmed, some of his political cadres would continue to hold weapons for self defence. He said that these cadres too would disarm later. Separately, he said civilians who fled the East due to the conflict are being resettled in a two stage process, adding, “We are first focusing on the people who fled from the recent fighting. After that we will look at the people who fled soon after the 1983 insurgency. All those who return will be taken care of and we will also look at inviting those who are in camps in India to come back.”
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February - 13 
Daily News reports that the Government has cancelled with immediate effect the radio transmission licence issued (on November 11, 2002) to the LTTE peace secretariat during the tenure of the cease-fire agreement. "Accordingly, in terms of powers vest
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Daily News reports that the Government has cancelled with immediate effect the radio transmission licence issued (on November 11, 2002) to the LTTE peace secretariat during the tenure of the cease-fire agreement. "Accordingly, in terms of powers vested in me, I have cancelled the licence effective from January 17, 2009," Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said on February 13. Permission had also been given to the LTTE for overseas transmission as well, the Minister added.
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February - 13 
Following clashes between the two sides in the Ramanathapuram and Kuruvikkulam areas, the SFs recovered two T-56 weapons, six hand grenades, 135 rounds of 12.7-mm ammunition, five APMs, one Improvised Explosive Device, one claymore mine weighing abou
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Following clashes between the two sides in the Ramanathapuram and Kuruvikkulam areas, the SFs recovered two T-56 weapons, six hand grenades, 135 rounds of 12.7-mm ammunition, five APMs, one Improvised Explosive Device, one claymore mine weighing about 12 kilograms, two pressure mines, eight pouches and three man packs. Separately, SFs operating in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area recovered one T-56 weapon.
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February - 13 
Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has said that all front organizations of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should be banned internationally to combat terrorism, Colombo Page reports. Making a special announcement, he stated tha
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Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has said that all front organizations of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should be banned internationally to combat terrorism, Colombo Page reports. Making a special announcement, he stated that terrorism cannot be eradicated if the international front organizations that fund the LTTE in various forms continue to operate. He pointed out that some organizations in Canada, France and Belgium are still continuing to send funds to the LTTE. According to him, the Tamil Foundation, one such front organization in the US, was recently banned by the US Government as a result of a series of discussions between the two Governments.
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February - 13 
In another incident, an attempt by two militants of the outfit’s ‘pistol gang’ to kill soldiers on picket duty in the Tirunelveli area of Jaffna District was foiled. While one of the militants was killed in retaliatory action by the SFs, the other sw
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In another incident, an attempt by two militants of the outfit’s ‘pistol gang’ to kill soldiers on picket duty in the Tirunelveli area of Jaffna District was foiled. While one of the militants was killed in retaliatory action by the SFs, the other swallowed cyanide and committed suicide after being surrounded. One soldier sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. Troops also recovered one micro pistol, five rounds of pistol ammunition, one more cyanide capsule, one Jaffna University identity card and two national identity cards from the slain militant’s possession.
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February - 13 
On February 13, subsequent to heavy clashes between the two sides in the Kuppilankulam area the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead bodies of five militants along with five T-56 weapons and one I-com radio set.
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On February 13, subsequent to heavy clashes between the two sides in the Kuppilankulam area the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead bodies of five militants along with five T-56 weapons and one I-com radio set.
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February - 13 
On February 13, the Security Forces observed a group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Inguruhinna area of Batticaloa District and opened fire towards them, reports Sri Lanka Army. During subsequent search operation the SFs
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On February 13, the Security Forces observed a group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Inguruhinna area of Batticaloa District and opened fire towards them, reports Sri Lanka Army. During subsequent search operation the SFs recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with one Multi Purpose Machine Gun, one 40-mm grenade launcher, five T-56 weapons, four bags and one hand grenade from the area.
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February - 13 
The Government has taken measures to re-establish the Police station in Kilinochchi after almost a decade, according to Colombo Page. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mahinda Balasooriya, who visited the area recently, said the Kilinochchi Pol
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The Government has taken measures to re-establish the Police station in Kilinochchi after almost a decade, according to Colombo Page. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mahinda Balasooriya, who visited the area recently, said the Kilinochchi Police station is the first of 20 Police stations scheduled to be established in Wanni. According to Balasooriya, the Kilinochchi Police station has opened in the building where the LTTE’s pseudo police chief Nadesan used to function. He said the other 19 Police stations will be established in Wanni region in the near future.
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February - 13 
The SFs recovered 45 claymore mines of 12 kilograms each, 23 claymore mines of 2.5 and 7.5 kilograms each, 15 pressure mines, 11 anti-personnel mines (APMs), twenty-five 81-mm mortars and one car from the Vishvamadu area. Similarly, troops in the are
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The SFs recovered 45 claymore mines of 12 kilograms each, 23 claymore mines of 2.5 and 7.5 kilograms each, 15 pressure mines, 11 anti-personnel mines (APMs), twenty-five 81-mm mortars and one car from the Vishvamadu area. Similarly, troops in the areas north of Surantharanpuram recovered a LTTE 81-mm mortar manufacturing plant from the area.
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February - 13 
The Special Task Force (STF) personnel shot dead two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants when the duo was trying to target the STF personnel on duty at Old Farm in the Lahugala area of Ampara District in the morning of February 13, acco
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The Special Task Force (STF) personnel shot dead two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants when the duo was trying to target the STF personnel on duty at Old Farm in the Lahugala area of Ampara District in the morning of February 13, according to Sri Lanka Army. The STF later recovered two T-56 weapons, two magazines with 25 ammunition rounds, three hand grenades, one Global Positioning System and a cyanide capsule.
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February - 13 
Ttroops continued their attacks on LTTE camps in the Kuppilankulam, Kuruvikkulam, Adampankula and Puthukkudiyiruppu south and the western part of Mullaitivu District. However, casualty figures of the militants were not reported. SFs also recovered on
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Ttroops continued their attacks on LTTE camps in the Kuppilankulam, Kuruvikkulam, Adampankula and Puthukkudiyiruppu south and the western part of Mullaitivu District. However, casualty figures of the militants were not reported. SFs also recovered one G3A3 weapon, one AK-47 weapon, one repeater shotgun, one satellite antenna and one shotgun from the Puthukkudiyiruppu area.
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February - 14 February - 15
16 civilians, most of them belonging to three families, were killed in an artillery attack by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) at Iranaippaalai, located between the new and old safety zones, in the Mullaitivu District in the night of February 14, reported pr
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16 civilians, most of them belonging to three families, were killed in an artillery attack by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) at Iranaippaalai, located between the new and old safety zones, in the Mullaitivu District in the night of February 14, reported pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. Eight other civilians were killed at Pokkanai within the new safety-zone in the night of February 15.
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February - 14 
Another search operation conducted in the Kumpanachchi area, the SFs recovered two hand tractors, one motorbike, one assault rifle with one magazine, six rounds of ammunition, one shot gun with a cartridge and one 35 litre can.
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Another search operation conducted in the Kumpanachchi area, the SFs recovered two hand tractors, one motorbike, one assault rifle with one magazine, six rounds of ammunition, one shot gun with a cartridge and one 35 litre can.
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February - 14 
Kfir Jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force neutralised a Sea Tiger’s (sea wing of the LTTE) suicide boat location in the north of Mullaitivu lagoon.
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Kfir Jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force neutralised a Sea Tiger’s (sea wing of the LTTE) suicide boat location in the north of Mullaitivu lagoon.
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February - 14 
On February 14, the troops confronted with militants in the Vaduvakkal area and killed two of them, SLA reported. During subsequent search operations, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the two dead bodies along with two T-56 weapons, six magazines,
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On February 14, the troops confronted with militants in the Vaduvakkal area and killed two of them, SLA reported. During subsequent search operations, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the two dead bodies along with two T-56 weapons, six magazines, 315 T-56 ammunition, one I-com set, four compasses, four packs, eleven 1.5 V batteries, two Global Positioning Systems, six torches, one note book, two cyanide capsule, one satellite phone, one ration packets, one hand grenade, one cap and one diary.
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February - 14 
One civilian was killed and 13 others injured in a grenade attack and shooting by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Puliyankulam in the Vavuniya District on February 14, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, according to S
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One civilian was killed and 13 others injured in a grenade attack and shooting by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Puliyankulam in the Vavuniya District on February 14, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, according to Sunday Observer. "They were civilians who escaped from the uncleared areas few days ago and were transferred to the Government welfare centres in Vavuniya" he added.
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February - 14 
The 57th Division troops recovered two T-56 weapons, 19 boxes of 12.7 ammunition, 17 boxes of Multi Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, 50 kilograms of C-4 explosive, eight kilograms of TNT explosive, 200 meters of detonator codes, four anti-personnel mi
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The 57th Division troops recovered two T-56 weapons, 19 boxes of 12.7 ammunition, 17 boxes of Multi Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, 50 kilograms of C-4 explosive, eight kilograms of TNT explosive, 200 meters of detonator codes, four anti-personnel mines, three magazines, three 60-mm mortar bombs and three anti-tank mines from the Vishvamadu and Kulamurippu areas. In addition, the SFs in Akkarayankulam recovered one shot gun and one hand grenade.
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February - 14 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants triggered claymore mine explosion targeting a state-owned bus transporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Vavuniya while it was passing a location about three kilometres north of Puliyanku
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants triggered claymore mine explosion targeting a state-owned bus transporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Vavuniya while it was passing a location about three kilometres north of Puliyankulam on February 14, killing one woman who was inside the bus and injuring 14 others, according to Sri Lanka Army reports. One soldier who was providing security to IDPs also sustained minor injuries.
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February - 14 
The ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) secured a majority in the Central Provincial Council (CPC) elections held on February 14 to select councillors for another four-year term. It won the CPC poll with a clear majority receiving 650,803
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The ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) secured a majority in the Central Provincial Council (CPC) elections held on February 14 to select councillors for another four-year term. It won the CPC poll with a clear majority receiving 650,803 votes and 34 seats, while the main opposition, the United National Party received 422,125 votes and 22 seats. The Marxist People’s Liberation Front got 15,416 votes and failed to win a single seat. The final outcome of the North Western Provincial Council election to select 50 councillors is yet to be determined as the overall results in the province will be late due to the Election Commissioner's decision to annul the results in one of the polling stations in Puttalam District over irregularities.
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February - 14 
The Website further claimed that about 275 civilians are feared dead since February 14 and the roads remain continuously under heavy artillery attack by the SLA in the Theavipuram-Vallipunam safety zone.
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The Website further claimed that about 275 civilians are feared dead since February 14 and the roads remain continuously under heavy artillery attack by the SLA in the Theavipuram-Vallipunam safety zone.
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February - 15 
According to the Ministry Human Rights and Disaster Management, over 35,000 civilians have safely reached the Government controlled areas in February 2009. The Minister of Human Rights and Disaster Management, Mahinda Samarasinghe told media that the
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According to the Ministry Human Rights and Disaster Management, over 35,000 civilians have safely reached the Government controlled areas in February 2009. The Minister of Human Rights and Disaster Management, Mahinda Samarasinghe told media that the LTTE is holding another 75,000 to 80,000 civilians while the aid agencies operating in the area estimate that number to be as high as 250,000.
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February - 15 
During a search operation at Pottakulem in the Trincomalee District on February 15, the Sri Lanka Air Force personnel recovered 1050 anti-personal mines and 600 fuses, reported Sri Lanka Army.
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During a search operation at Pottakulem in the Trincomalee District on February 15, the Sri Lanka Air Force personnel recovered 1050 anti-personal mines and 600 fuses, reported Sri Lanka Army.
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February - 15 
On February 15, fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force bombed three LTTE suicide boats anchored near ‘Fara 3’ ship in the seas north of Mullaitivu. ‘Fara 3’ had been hijacked by the militants some time back. According to reports, two of the boats we
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On February 15, fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force bombed three LTTE suicide boats anchored near ‘Fara 3’ ship in the seas north of Mullaitivu. ‘Fara 3’ had been hijacked by the militants some time back. According to reports, two of the boats were sunk and the remaining boat caught fire in the aerial bombing.
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February - 15 
Police found an unattended parcel containing 1.5 kilograms of C-4 explosives from Trincomalee town area on February 15, according to a Sri Lanka Army report. During another search operation conducted in the Tissapura area, Police found one hand grena
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Police found an unattended parcel containing 1.5 kilograms of C-4 explosives from Trincomalee town area on February 15, according to a Sri Lanka Army report. During another search operation conducted in the Tissapura area, Police found one hand grenade.
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February - 15 
Pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net claimed that a bomb blast in the Kanchikudichchaanaaru area of Ampara District killed more than 12 Special Task Force (STF) commandos, including an officer, at a site where preparations were being made to lay the foundation
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Pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net claimed that a bomb blast in the Kanchikudichchaanaaru area of Ampara District killed more than 12 Special Task Force (STF) commandos, including an officer, at a site where preparations were being made to lay the foundation stone for a Buddhist Vihara.
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February - 15 
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse said his Government guarantees the safety of the civilians fleeing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) held areas and reaching the Security Forces (SFs) or the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC).
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Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse said his Government guarantees the safety of the civilians fleeing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) held areas and reaching the Security Forces (SFs) or the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC). In a telephone interview to Colombo Page on February 15, the President urged the civilians to seek assistance of the SFs as all the necessary measures are in place to meet their needs with help from the ICRC and the UN aid agencies. Dismissing media reports that the Government is planning to keep the displaced civilians in camps for three years, Rajapakse said he has already given orders to relocate the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as early as possible. He said the Government plans to resettle the IDPs in their original areas as soon as the captured areas are cleared of mines.
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February - 15 
The Government on February 15 claimed that only about 65,000 civilians remain in Mullaitivu and not 450,000 as stated by the LTTE. The Resettlement and Rehabilitation Minister Rishard Baduideen, addressing the Cabinet press briefing at the Informatio
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The Government on February 15 claimed that only about 65,000 civilians remain in Mullaitivu and not 450,000 as stated by the LTTE. The Resettlement and Rehabilitation Minister Rishard Baduideen, addressing the Cabinet press briefing at the Information Department, said that the LTTE inflated the number of civilians under its control to 450,000 to obtain more supplies of food and medicine from the Government. "In future we will send supplies for about 100,000 people." Those who came over from Mullaitivu on February 14 included 10 LTTE militants, he added.
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February - 15 
The LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still in Wanni and will continue to hold the innocent civilians until the military captures him, revealed two Black Tigers (cadres of the suicide wing of the LTTE) to the Army. In an interview with Sunday Obse
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The LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still in Wanni and will continue to hold the innocent civilians until the military captures him, revealed two Black Tigers (cadres of the suicide wing of the LTTE) to the Army. In an interview with Sunday Observer, they said that Prabhakaran’s son Charles Anthony was commanding their forces with other prominent LTTE leaders like Banu and Lakshman. The two Black Tigers, in their twenties, had surrendered to the troops at Therumurukandy on January 28 after they failed to bomb the bund at Iranamadu Tank. Anthony and Soosai had briefed them on the mission for an underwater demolition on January 20, but they decided to surrender citing dissatisfaction with the ‘behaviour’ of the LTTE leadership. “The LTTE is abducting lots of children who are in their teens. They want to sacrifice civilians as common fodder. Sons and daughters of the LTTE leaders are living luxury lives,” said the duo.
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February - 15 
The SFs in Visuamadu area recovered two T-56 weapons, one T-81 weapon, 26 kerosene barrels with capacity of 210 litre, one RPG bomb, 121 hand grenades, one T-56 magazine, two LTTE uniforms, two pistol magazines and five Improvised Explosive Devices (
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The SFs in Visuamadu area recovered two T-56 weapons, one T-81 weapon, 26 kerosene barrels with capacity of 210 litre, one RPG bomb, 121 hand grenades, one T-56 magazine, two LTTE uniforms, two pistol magazines and five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) set to 81-mm mortars. Further, during a search operation in the Kiranchi area, the SFs recovered fifteen 81-mm mortar bombs, nine hand grenades, ten IEDs, 262 dog tags and 42 LTTE newspapers the same day. Separately, 750 rounds of T-56 ammunition, four claymore mines weighing about 12.5 kilograms, one claymore mine weighing about 7.5 kilograms, thirty-six 60-mm mortar bombs, one hand grenade and seven RPG chargers were recovered by the troops from the Poddivettuvan and Kokavil areas.
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February - 15 
Two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, who attempted to destroy an electricity transformer after entering the Kapputhu area of Jaffna District, were shot dead by the troops before they executed their plan on February 15, reported Sri
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Two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, who attempted to destroy an electricity transformer after entering the Kapputhu area of Jaffna District, were shot dead by the troops before they executed their plan on February 15, reported Sri Lanka Army. Troops later recovered their dead bodies along with two T-56 weapons, four magazines, 51 rounds of ammunition, one Global Positioning System, one compass, one belt order, six hand grenades, three cyanide capsules and one night vision device from the area.
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February - 16 
At least five humanitarian aid workers were killed while serving the needs of civilians trapped inside the Theavipuram area, the Website added. While three workers attached to Karaithuraippattu Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society were killed on Februar
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At least five humanitarian aid workers were killed while serving the needs of civilians trapped inside the Theavipuram area, the Website added. While three workers attached to Karaithuraippattu Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society were killed on February 16 at Theavipuram, two others, including a female, were killed within the Theavipuram-Vallipunam safety zone on February 13.
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February - 16 
At Puthukkudiyiruppu, the SFs found a camp left abandoned by the LTTE and recovered three hand grenades, 41 caps, 52 uniforms of LTTE, eight pouches, five jackets, 250 Fabrique Nationale Carbine ammunition, 2539 rounds of T-56 ammunition from the ins
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At Puthukkudiyiruppu, the SFs found a camp left abandoned by the LTTE and recovered three hand grenades, 41 caps, 52 uniforms of LTTE, eight pouches, five jackets, 250 Fabrique Nationale Carbine ammunition, 2539 rounds of T-56 ammunition from the inside the camp.
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February - 16 
Colombo Page reports that the United Nations on February 16 said the LTTE continues to actively prevent civilians leaving and have shot and sometimes killed a growing number of people trying to leave the war zone. It also called on both the Army and
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Colombo Page reports that the United Nations on February 16 said the LTTE continues to actively prevent civilians leaving and have shot and sometimes killed a growing number of people trying to leave the war zone. It also called on both the Army and LTTE to refrain from fighting in areas of civilian concentration.
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February - 16 
IANS reports that President Mahinda Rajapakse will soon meet Tamil political leaders to discuss a 'democracy road map' for the areas seized from the LTTE. Rajapakse will meet leaders of groups such as the Tamil United Liberation Front, Eelam People's
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IANS reports that President Mahinda Rajapakse will soon meet Tamil political leaders to discuss a 'democracy road map' for the areas seized from the LTTE. Rajapakse will meet leaders of groups such as the Tamil United Liberation Front, Eelam People's Democratic Party, Ceylon Workers Congress and the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance, Asian Tribune reported. “We needed a military solution to evict the terrorists from the country. Our heroic soldiers have almost liberated Wanni. In a few days our security forces will free the entire Wanni. So it is time we address the problem politically,” the President said. The President said all Tamil groups, irrespective of their sympathies to the LTTE, would be invited to the meeting.
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February - 16 
On February 16, MI-24 helicopters neutralised LTTE camps in the south of Puthukkudiyiruppu.
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On February 16, MI-24 helicopters neutralised LTTE camps in the south of Puthukkudiyiruppu.
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February - 16 
On February 16, the SFs clashed with the LTTE militants in the Maruthampual, Pallikudiruppu, Vishvamadu and Puthukudirippu areas and later recovered the dead body of one militant and a large cache of arms and ammunition, including two T-56 weapons, o
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On February 16, the SFs clashed with the LTTE militants in the Maruthampual, Pallikudiruppu, Vishvamadu and Puthukudirippu areas and later recovered the dead body of one militant and a large cache of arms and ammunition, including two T-56 weapons, one Light Machine Gun (LMG), 14 Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) bombs, one claymore mine, 23 hand grenades, 85 anti-personnel mines (APMs), three vehicles and a few more LTTE items from these areas. In addition, a place identical to a workshop with seven different machines was also found by the troops in Pallikudiruppu.
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February - 16 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is planning to commit suicide along with hundreds of his hardcore followers at a beach in Mullaitivu District if the Sri Lankan armed forces close in on his last hideout, says
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is planning to commit suicide along with hundreds of his hardcore followers at a beach in Mullaitivu District if the Sri Lankan armed forces close in on his last hideout, says Basil Rajapakse, Senior Advisor to the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, according to Express Buzz. Basil Rajapakse told The Sunday Times that there was “substantive” intelligence regarding a mass suicide bid by the LTTE leader and his followers. Prabhakaran was confident that many would join the mass sacrifice and it would be a public event to be video taped and shown to the Tamil Diaspora across the globe as the last heroic act of the only man who pledged his all to secure an independent state of ‘Eelam’ for the Tamils of Sri Lanka. Reports said that Prabhakaran had directed civilians to gather at an undisclosed beach in Mullaitivu District for this act of supreme sacrifice.
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February - 16 
The LTTE is reportedly burying their weapons in order to use them later when the armed struggle for an independent Tamil Eelam could be revived, according to The Nation. UAV surveillance had revealed that militants were greasing their weapons, wrappi
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The LTTE is reportedly burying their weapons in order to use them later when the armed struggle for an independent Tamil Eelam could be revived, according to The Nation. UAV surveillance had revealed that militants were greasing their weapons, wrapping them up in polythene and burying them deep in jungles, as they did in the East in 2006-7 and after the India-Sri Lankan Accord in 1987.
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February - 16 
The Security Forces (SFs) killed at least two militants in the Thevipuram area of Mullaitivu District. The SFs also recovered five hand grenades, four magazines, one anti-personnel mine (APM), two cyanide capsules and one binocular from the incident
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The Security Forces (SFs) killed at least two militants in the Thevipuram area of Mullaitivu District. The SFs also recovered five hand grenades, four magazines, one anti-personnel mine (APM), two cyanide capsules and one binocular from the incident site.
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February - 16 
The troops also found two 81-mm mortar bombs, 30 field dressings, five 81-mm mortar bombs, one hundred and eighty 60-mm mortar fuses, seventy eight 81-mm mortar fuses, ten 130-mm fuses, twenty 130-mm empty cases, one APM, one hundred and forty four 2
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The troops also found two 81-mm mortar bombs, 30 field dressings, five 81-mm mortar bombs, one hundred and eighty 60-mm mortar fuses, seventy eight 81-mm mortar fuses, ten 130-mm fuses, twenty 130-mm empty cases, one APM, one hundred and forty four 210 liter capacity grease barrels, one earth moving machine and 18 barrels of 120-mm mortar primer from the Vishvamadu area. Separately, the SFs recovered 20 hand grenades and two improvised explosive devises (IED) from the same area. Separately, troops in the Kuppilankulam area found one uni-buffel, a 30 feet long boat, four 60-mm mortars, three T-56 weapons and eight IEDs. Similarly, one T-56 weapon and three magazines were recovered from the Challai area.
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February - 16 
The United Nations (UN) on February 16 called on the LTTE to release the UN worker held hostage by them, to desist from further recruitment of civilians and to permit passage of tens of thousands of civilians remaining in the ‘Wanni Pocket’, includin
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The United Nations (UN) on February 16 called on the LTTE to release the UN worker held hostage by them, to desist from further recruitment of civilians and to permit passage of tens of thousands of civilians remaining in the ‘Wanni Pocket’, including children. A statement issued by the office of the UN Resident/Humanitarian Co-ordinator in Colombo said “… Fifteen United Nations staff and 75 of their dependents, 40 of whom are children, and 35 of whom are women, remain in the same area, having also been prevented from leaving by the LTTE.”
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February - 17 
Clashes erupted between the two sides in the west of Puthukudirippu, Kuppulankulam, Mulliyaweli, Udayarakattu and Ampakamam areas. The SFs later recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including one 81-mm mortar, one 60-mm mortar, one claymore mine
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Clashes erupted between the two sides in the west of Puthukudirippu, Kuppulankulam, Mulliyaweli, Udayarakattu and Ampakamam areas. The SFs later recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including one 81-mm mortar, one 60-mm mortar, one claymore mine, 500 T-56 ammunition rounds, three APMs, ten 60-mm mortar bombs, four RPG bombs, one radio set, 810 ammunition rounds, one 120-mm mortar bomb, five 81-mm mortar bombs, one RPG bomb and one T-56 weapon.
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February - 17 
Colombo Page reports that SFs arrested four local employees of India's Sun TV network in Vavuniya, where the re-broadcasting centre is operating, for alleged links with the LTTE. The SFs also seized the equipment used by the suspects.
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Colombo Page reports that SFs arrested four local employees of India's Sun TV network in Vavuniya, where the re-broadcasting centre is operating, for alleged links with the LTTE. The SFs also seized the equipment used by the suspects.
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February - 17 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said LTTE leaders are using civilians in the North as human shields as they cannot face the heavy attacks by the Security Forces in the final stage of the war, reported Colombo Page. In an interview with a foreig
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said LTTE leaders are using civilians in the North as human shields as they cannot face the heavy attacks by the Security Forces in the final stage of the war, reported Colombo Page. In an interview with a foreign news agency, he said, "They will keep these civilians as a shield and then once they escape, they will just be let go." Reuters quoted him as saying that the LTTE leadership would seek political asylum after escaping via established human smuggling networks. “They can go to Australia, for example. Who knows Soosai or Pottu Amman might be there? You just give any name and say the Sri Lankan government burned my house and all those things, and you are there -- you are in Australia,” he said. He also said the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still in the country and added that “he must be planning to go out with other leaders. They have not decided things -- whether to go, whether to remain here, whether to commit suicide.”
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February - 17 
Following another clash in Periyakulam, the SFs recovered one claymore mine weighing 12 kilograms, 3250 T-56 ammunition rounds, 1000 GPMG ammunition rounds, four 60-mm mortar bombs, three RPG bombs, one bicycle and a few other items.
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Following another clash in Periyakulam, the SFs recovered one claymore mine weighing 12 kilograms, 3250 T-56 ammunition rounds, 1000 GPMG ammunition rounds, four 60-mm mortar bombs, three RPG bombs, one bicycle and a few other items.
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February - 17 
Minister Dinesh Gunawardene told Parliament on February 17 that 60,088 families have been displaced in the Eastern Province due to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) activities, according to Daily News. Responding to a question by the Jana
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Minister Dinesh Gunawardene told Parliament on February 17 that 60,088 families have been displaced in the Eastern Province due to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) activities, according to Daily News. Responding to a question by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Member of Parliament, Jinadasa Kitulagoda, the minister said the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry has set up 12 temporary camps in the Batticaloa District and three camps in Trincomalee District to settle the displaced families. 863 families have been settled in 12 temporary camps in the Batticaloa District while 706 families are in three camps in the Trincomalee District, he said. The Government has made arrangements to resettle the displaced families in their own villages within the first six months of this year, the minister added.
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February - 17 
On February 17, the Security Forces (SFs) conducted search operations in the areas west of Puthukkudiyiruppu, Vishvamadu, Mankulam and Akkarayankulam areas and recovered the dead body of one LTTE militant along with one electric detonator, three CDMA
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On February 17, the Security Forces (SFs) conducted search operations in the areas west of Puthukkudiyiruppu, Vishvamadu, Mankulam and Akkarayankulam areas and recovered the dead body of one LTTE militant along with one electric detonator, three CDMA phones, 12 I-com sets, two claymore mines, weighing about 50 kilograms and 25 kilograms, one claymore mine, weighing about 7.5 kilograms, nine Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 14 anti-personnel mines (APM), one LTTE map, three containers, one tractor, two unusable wheel loaders, one bulldozer, one Leyland truck, one canter, ten electric detonators, three small containers, 168 rounds of T-56 ammunition, 25 rounds of MPMG ammunition, 42 APM fuses, six release switches, three T-56 weapons, one 81-mm mortar bomb, one sniper gun and 29 IED holders.
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February - 17 
The founder of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and Member of Parliament, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias ‘Colonel’ Karuna Amman, has quit the party. Karuna told Daily Mirror that he and some senior leaders had quit the TMVP and woul
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The founder of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and Member of Parliament, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias ‘Colonel’ Karuna Amman, has quit the party. Karuna told Daily Mirror that he and some senior leaders had quit the TMVP and would hold talks with President Mahinda Rajapakse next week to join the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). “I have quit the TMVP along with a lot of other members. We no longer identify ourselves with it. Instead we are waiting to join the SLFP and as soon as we get permission from the President, we will convert all our TMVP offices to SLFP offices,” Karuna said. He said with most of the TMVP senior members supporting him, the only ones left in the TMVP were Pillayan and a few of his supporters. However, the TMVP dismissed reports that other members, apart from Karuna, had left the party. The party also said it had met on February 16 to discuss Karuna’s failure to show cause over his comments on some of the TMVP members and had decided to remove him from the party. TMVP spokesperson Azath Maulana told Daily Mirror that with Karuna’s chances to show cause expiring, he has been removed from the party with immediate effect. However, TMVP General Secretary, A. Kailesvararajah, said the party’s Central Committee will meet on February 18 (today) and take a final decision on the future course of action to be taken against Karuna.
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February - 17 
The Government appointed a committee to evaluate activities of the national and international non governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country involved in humanitarian assistance and human rights promotion. Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Secretary to th
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The Government appointed a committee to evaluate activities of the national and international non governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country involved in humanitarian assistance and human rights promotion. Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, is to head the committee. Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights, told the media on February 17 that the measure is to assess the accountability of agencies working in Sri Lanka at present with a view to ensuring transparency and accountability of their operations in the future and is not a 'witch hunt'.
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February - 17 
The pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) party said on February 17 that the Government should go for a cease-fire with the LTTE. Speaking at a special press briefing, TNA leader and Member of Parliament, R. Sampanthan, said if the Government wants
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The pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) party said on February 17 that the Government should go for a cease-fire with the LTTE. Speaking at a special press briefing, TNA leader and Member of Parliament, R. Sampanthan, said if the Government wants to get the civilians released from the LTTE-held areas then they should go for a cease-fire. He claimed that nearly 350,000 civilians are still trapped in the outfit held areas of Mullaitivu. The Government estimates the number to be about 100,000 while the aid agencies put the figure at 250,000. The parliamentarian also claimed that nearly 2,000 innocent civilians have been killed and another 4,500 injured since December 2008.
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February - 17 
The Security Forces (SFs) on February 17 entered the Puthukuduiruppu West area of Mullaitivu District confining the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to less than 80 square kilometres area, military sources told Daily News. The SFs have reporte
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The Security Forces (SFs) on February 17 entered the Puthukuduiruppu West area of Mullaitivu District confining the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to less than 80 square kilometres area, military sources told Daily News. The SFs have reportedly taken complete control of the previous ‘No Fire Zone’ declared by the Army after thousands of civilians moved out of the area once the Army declared the new safe areas in the coastal belt in the north of Mullaitivu. The SFs also recovered the dead bodies of 23 militants from the area (14 on February 16 and nine on February 17), adds a Sri Lanka Army report.
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February - 17 
The Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed Iranaippaalai, the new centre for humanitarian and basic facilities located between the new and old safety zones, killing at least 15 people fleeing from the old 'safety zone' towards Maaththalan, the Websi
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The Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed Iranaippaalai, the new centre for humanitarian and basic facilities located between the new and old safety zones, killing at least 15 people fleeing from the old 'safety zone' towards Maaththalan, the Website added.
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February - 17 
The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) launched indiscriminate artillery attack into the newly announced safety zone killing at least 108 civilians and injuring more than 200 on February 17, according to initial details from medical sources in the area, claimed th
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The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) launched indiscriminate artillery attack into the newly announced safety zone killing at least 108 civilians and injuring more than 200 on February 17, according to initial details from medical sources in the area, claimed the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. The artillery attack targeted Maaththalan, Pokkanai and Mullivaaykkaal areas.
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February - 17 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on February 17 expressed grave concern for children being recruited by the LTTE and said it was extremely alarmed at the high number of children being killed or injured in the fighting in the north, accordi
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on February 17 expressed grave concern for children being recruited by the LTTE and said it was extremely alarmed at the high number of children being killed or injured in the fighting in the north, according to Daily News. "We have clear indications that the LTTE has intensified forcible recruitment of civilians and that children as young as 14 years old are now being targeted… Children are victims of this conflict by being killed, injured, recruited, displaced, separated and denied their everyday needs due to the fighting," said UNICEF's Representative in Sri Lanka Philippe Duamelle.
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February - 18 
10 hardcore LTTE militants, including a 17-year-old girl, surrendered to the SFs at Omanthai in the Vavuniya District after arriving there amidst fleeing civilians.
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10 hardcore LTTE militants, including a 17-year-old girl, surrendered to the SFs at Omanthai in the Vavuniya District after arriving there amidst fleeing civilians.
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February - 18 
At least 50 civilians were killed and more than 70 others wounded when four Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bombers dropped cluster bombs on internally displaced civilians at Aananthapuram in the Iranaippaalai area of Mullaitivu District at around 12:50 p
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At least 50 civilians were killed and more than 70 others wounded when four Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bombers dropped cluster bombs on internally displaced civilians at Aananthapuram in the Iranaippaalai area of Mullaitivu District at around 12:50 pm (SLST) on February 18, according to initial reports from medical sources, claimed pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. Medical sources said at least 50 civilians were killed in one of the bombardments, adding that the death toll could be more than 100 and that around 300 could be wounded. At least 160 people were killed within the last 10 hours in Mullaitivu, claimed an unnamed doctor at Maththalan hospital.
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February - 18 
On February 18, troops confronted militants in the west and south of Puthukkudiyiruppu and in south Oddusudan inflicting heavy casualties upon them. The SFs later recovered the dead bodies of nine militants along with six T-56 weapons, eight magazine
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On February 18, troops confronted militants in the west and south of Puthukkudiyiruppu and in south Oddusudan inflicting heavy casualties upon them. The SFs later recovered the dead bodies of nine militants along with six T-56 weapons, eight magazines, 3000 rounds of ammunition, one 40-mm grenade launcher, 21 rounds of 40-mm grenades, three suicide jackets, two claymore mines, weighing about 2.5 kilograms, four I-com sets, two Global Positioning Systems, two compasses, two radio sets, one range finder, one battery charger, five man-packs, four 1.5 v batteries, four anti-personnel mines (APMs), three packs of C-4 explosives ,weighing about 500 grams each, 10 hand grenades, one LTTE uniform, three maps, three belt orders, one satellite phone, one antenna, five colour ID bands, one motor bicycle, 16 empty fuel browsers, 600 empty oil barrels and some medicinal items from these areas.
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February - 18 
The Government announced that President Mahinda Rajapakse would soon call a meeting of representatives of Tamil political parties to discuss an “inclusive process” in the pursuit of a political solution to the ethnic strife. Foreign Minister Rohitha
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The Government announced that President Mahinda Rajapakse would soon call a meeting of representatives of Tamil political parties to discuss an “inclusive process” in the pursuit of a political solution to the ethnic strife. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama informed a gathering of the diplomatic community that Rajapakse had decided to call a meeting of the TNA, Tamil United Liberation Front, Eelam People's Democratic Party, Ceylon Workers Congress, and other Tamil political parties “in order to have an inclusive process which will be reflected in the future political agenda”. The Minister urged the international community to exert pressure on the LTTE to free the civilians who were being held captive in the north and release the innocent children forcibly recruited into their combat ranks. He appealed to the international community to understand the complexities of the ground situation and talked about the Government’s paramount concern over the plight of civilians being held hostage behind LTTE lines.
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February - 18 
The skeletal parts and 70 partly-burnt pieces of a fuselage and a rotor blade of a helicopter that could have been experimented by the LTTE, apparently for their clandestine aerial operations, were recovered from the newly captured areas of Vaddakkac
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The skeletal parts and 70 partly-burnt pieces of a fuselage and a rotor blade of a helicopter that could have been experimented by the LTTE, apparently for their clandestine aerial operations, were recovered from the newly captured areas of Vaddakkachchi. Those parts, some of which had been mounted on logs, probably for practical testing operations had been set ablaze before the militants had vacated the area as the troops were advancing. Aerial maps, engineering sketches, aircraft engineering plans and manuals, in addition to foreign brochures with modal light aircraft pictures, were also found by the troops among the recoveries found in the adjacent workshop type huts to the south of Vaddakkachchi jungle. Lathe machines, aluminium sheets, motor engine parts, nuts and bolts and a stock of other similar tools and accessories were among the other items recovered.
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February - 18 
The Sri Lanka Army launched an artillery attack blocking the transportation of wounded to hospitals.
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The Sri Lanka Army launched an artillery attack blocking the transportation of wounded to hospitals.
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February - 18 
The Sri Lanka Government on February 18 reiterated its stance of no cease-fire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rejecting the fresh calls for a truce, according to Colombo Page. Responding to the February 17 cease-fire appeal made by
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The Sri Lanka Government on February 18 reiterated its stance of no cease-fire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rejecting the fresh calls for a truce, according to Colombo Page. Responding to the February 17 cease-fire appeal made by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said at a press briefing in Colombo that the Government has taken a policy decision to completely neutralise terrorism. Describing the truce demand as "laughable," he said, "There will be no ceasefire with the LTTE.” The LTTE had reportedly ignored a Government call to allow the civilian’s safe passage out of the outfit held areas during a 48-hour cease-fire period declared by the Government on January 29.
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February - 18 
Troops also attacked an LTTE tractor and a motorcycle in the area south of Puthukkudiyiruppu. However, no casualty was reported. Separately, the SFs recovered two APMs, six 60-mm mortar bombs, one man pack and one LTTE uniform during a search operati
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Troops also attacked an LTTE tractor and a motorcycle in the area south of Puthukkudiyiruppu. However, no casualty was reported. Separately, the SFs recovered two APMs, six 60-mm mortar bombs, one man pack and one LTTE uniform during a search operation conducted in the same area.
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February - 18 
Troops of the 58th Division recovered six dead bodies of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants along with five T-56 weapons in the evening of February 18 during a search operation in the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu Di
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Troops of the 58th Division recovered six dead bodies of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants along with five T-56 weapons in the evening of February 18 during a search operation in the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu District, according to Sri Lanka Army.
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February - 19 
A Toyota Harrier, confirmed to have been either stolen by Colombo-based LTTE proxies and taken into un-cleared areas (area under LTTE control) or detained after someone’s entry there, was recovered by the SFs from the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu.
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A Toyota Harrier, confirmed to have been either stolen by Colombo-based LTTE proxies and taken into un-cleared areas (area under LTTE control) or detained after someone’s entry there, was recovered by the SFs from the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu. In addition, a heavily-damaged bulldozer, engaged in constructing LTTE earth bunds, a Isuzu vehicle, belonging to the Government’s Co-operative establishment, and several LTTE rocket launchers, claymore mines and anti-personnel mines were also recovered by the SFs.
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February - 19 
Addressing a press briefing following a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka on February 19, the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Sir John Holmes, urged the Liberation Ti
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Addressing a press briefing following a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka on February 19, the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Sir John Holmes, urged the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to allow free movement of civilians caught in the crossfire between the Government troops and the LTTE in the north, according to Colombo Page. "We have great concerns about the fate of civilians trapped in Wanni region," he said, adding, the UN called on both sides to respect the international humanitarian law and do everything possible to ensure the free movement of civilians to reach safety. The UN will also provide assistance in the reconstruction and rehabilitation process of the North and East, he stated.
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February - 19 
An unidentified gang shot dead shot a supporter of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) party in the Batticaloa District in the night of February 19, reports Colombo Page. The Senior Superintendent of Police Ranjith Gunasekara said the iden
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An unidentified gang shot dead shot a supporter of the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) party in the Batticaloa District in the night of February 19, reports Colombo Page. The Senior Superintendent of Police Ranjith Gunasekara said the identity of the victim is not known yet.
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February - 19 
At least 24 civilians were killed in the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) artillery attack in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area of Mullaitivu District on February 19, reports the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. 10 more civilians were kill
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At least 24 civilians were killed in the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) artillery attack in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area of Mullaitivu District on February 19, reports the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. 10 more civilians were killed in the Iranaippaalai, Aananthapuram and Valaignarmadam villages of the same District. 70 other civilians were wounded in these incidents. Separately, three members of a family were killed in the Valaignarmadam area.
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February - 19 
During another search operation in the Sirnarayanpuram area of Trincomalee District, the SFs recovered one T-56 weapon, two magazines and 35 rounds of ammunition.
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During another search operation in the Sirnarayanpuram area of Trincomalee District, the SFs recovered one T-56 weapon, two magazines and 35 rounds of ammunition.
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February - 19 
During another search operation in the Vishvamadu area, the troops recovered one decomposed body of a LTTE militant along with 32 claymore mines, each weighing about 7.5 kilograms, and 50 APMs. SFs in Vavuniya District conducted a search operation in
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During another search operation in the Vishvamadu area, the troops recovered one decomposed body of a LTTE militant along with 32 claymore mines, each weighing about 7.5 kilograms, and 50 APMs. SFs in Vavuniya District conducted a search operation in the Asikkulam area and recovered two hand grenades, two Multi-Purpose Machine Guns links, back pack, belt order, cyanide capsule, two head covers, 14 batteries, five rain capes, one ground sheet, one helmet, one Olive Green uniform, one wire cutter, three packs of dry ration and three water purification tablets.
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February - 19 
On February 19, during a search operation following clashes between the two sides, the SFs recovered the dead bodies of three LTTE militants along with seven T-56 weapons and three I-com sets from the Puthukkudiyiruppu west area, SLA reports.
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On February 19, during a search operation following clashes between the two sides, the SFs recovered the dead bodies of three LTTE militants along with seven T-56 weapons and three I-com sets from the Puthukkudiyiruppu west area, SLA reports.
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February - 19 
Special Task Force personnel during a search operation in the Unnachchiya area of Batticaloa District recovered one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) launcher, three RPG rounds, three RPG chargers, one T-56 weapon, two magazines and 30 rounds of ammunit
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Special Task Force personnel during a search operation in the Unnachchiya area of Batticaloa District recovered one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) launcher, three RPG rounds, three RPG chargers, one T-56 weapon, two magazines and 30 rounds of ammunition on February 18, reports Sri Lanka Army. Elsewhere, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered two cyanide capsules, one telephone charger and four batteries from the Seruwila area.
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February - 19 
The Security Forces (SFs) clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the morning of February 19 on the Oddusudan–Puthukkudiyiruppu road and reportedly killed an unspecified number of them, including two top cadres identifie
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The Security Forces (SFs) clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the morning of February 19 on the Oddusudan–Puthukkudiyiruppu road and reportedly killed an unspecified number of them, including two top cadres identified as Anbu and Suresh. A few soldiers also sustained injuries injured in the fighting.
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February - 19 
Troops of the 58th Division captured the entire Puthukkudiyiruppu west area in Mullaitivu District by February 19 afternoon and by evening the troops entered the Ampalavanpokkanai town, according to Sri Lanka Army reports.
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Troops of the 58th Division captured the entire Puthukkudiyiruppu west area in Mullaitivu District by February 19 afternoon and by evening the troops entered the Ampalavanpokkanai town, according to Sri Lanka Army reports.
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February - 20 
70 civilians were injured when the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) launched artillery attack targeting civilians within the 'safe zone' and the adjoining areas in Wanni in the night of February 20, claims pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website Tami
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70 civilians were injured when the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) launched artillery attack targeting civilians within the 'safe zone' and the adjoining areas in Wanni in the night of February 20, claims pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website Tamil Net. 13 of the 70 wounded civilians died later. The SLA targeted Mattapan, Pokkanai, Valaignanmadam and Iranaippaalai areas in the Mullaitivu District, the report added.
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February - 20 
In addition, seven T-56 weapons, 34 claymore mines, four RPGs, 240 rounds of ammunition, 50 hand grenades, 12 MPMG drums, six LMG drums, 30 kilograms of C-4 explosives, 297 anti-personnel mines (APMs), 17 Arul bombs, three I-com sets and 70 electric
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In addition, seven T-56 weapons, 34 claymore mines, four RPGs, 240 rounds of ammunition, 50 hand grenades, 12 MPMG drums, six LMG drums, 30 kilograms of C-4 explosives, 297 anti-personnel mines (APMs), 17 Arul bombs, three I-com sets and 70 electric detonators were recovered from Vishvamadu. The SFs also recovered one T-56 weapon, 3000 rounds of ammunition 250 rounds of T-56 ammunition, one mine detector, seven claymore mines, 12 hand grenades, six 60-mm mortar bombs, four kilograms of C-4 explosives, one RPG, one improvised explosive device, two shot guns, two APMs, three Arul bombs, 20 detonators, one weighing machine and one photocopy machine from the Kulamurippu, Puthukkudiyiruppu west and Kunchankulam.
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February - 20 
The newly formed Task Force-VIII operating under the troops of 58th division found a LTTE underground three storeyed complex which was covered by camouflage nets in the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu. “The underground complex had been surrounded by s
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The newly formed Task Force-VIII operating under the troops of 58th division found a LTTE underground three storeyed complex which was covered by camouflage nets in the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu. “The underground complex had been surrounded by steel plated posts. The Tiger cadres also kept watch dogs to guard the area. Troops found three secret roads leading to the deep underground complex”, Brigadier Nanayakkara told Daily News.
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February - 20 
The Sri Lanka Air Force’s Kfir and Mig fighter jets neutralized LTTE camps, about four kilometres northwest of Puthukkudiyiruppu junction, according to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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The Sri Lanka Air Force’s Kfir and Mig fighter jets neutralized LTTE camps, about four kilometres northwest of Puthukkudiyiruppu junction, according to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
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February - 20 
The troops conducted a search operation in Puthukkudiyiruppu and recovered 30 claymore mines weighing about 12.5 kilograms, 22 claymore mines weighing about 2.5 kilograms, 30 gas masks, bicycle balls used for bombs weighing about 300 kilograms, abou
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The troops conducted a search operation in Puthukkudiyiruppu and recovered 30 claymore mines weighing about 12.5 kilograms, 22 claymore mines weighing about 2.5 kilograms, 30 gas masks, bicycle balls used for bombs weighing about 300 kilograms, about 30000 non-electric detonators, about 30000 electric detonators, 33 barrels of explosives weighing about 990 kilograms, 11 T-56 weapons, one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) launcher, one Light Machine Gun (LMG) and one Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG).
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February - 20 
Troops captured Ampalavanpokkani village in the Mullaitivu District after a fierce battle with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the afternoon of February 20. “The Security Forces crushed the Tiger attempt to resist advancing troops and
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Troops captured Ampalavanpokkani village in the Mullaitivu District after a fierce battle with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the afternoon of February 20. “The Security Forces crushed the Tiger attempt to resist advancing troops and had taken control of the area in the afternoon. Troops consolidating their position in the area launched a mopping up operation and recovered seven LTTE bodies and five T56 assault rifles. The LTTE cadres fled from the area facing heavy damages and casualties,” Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told Daily News. Ampalavanpokkani is a remote village located approximately eight kilometres north of Puthukkudiyiruppu junction on the western bank of the Chalai lagoon.
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February - 20 
Troops clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu, Puthukkudiyiruppu west, Chalai, Mulliyaweli and Ampalavanpokkanai areas of Mullaitivu District inflicting heavy casualties among the militants on Febr
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Troops clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu, Puthukkudiyiruppu west, Chalai, Mulliyaweli and Ampalavanpokkanai areas of Mullaitivu District inflicting heavy casualties among the militants on February 20, Sri Lanka Army reported. Several soldiers also sustained injuries in LTTE fire. During subsequent search operations the troops recovered the dead bodies of 10 militants along with one Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG), seven T-56 weapons, four communication equipment and two pouches from the Puthukkudiyiruppu west and Ampalavanpokkanai areas.
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February - 20 
Two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) light aircrafts were shot down by the Security Forces in Colombo and Katunayake following an attempt by the outfit to bomb Colombo city in the night of February 20, reports Daily News. The Sri Lanka Air For
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Two Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) light aircrafts were shot down by the Security Forces in Colombo and Katunayake following an attempt by the outfit to bomb Colombo city in the night of February 20, reports Daily News. The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said following the detection of two LTTE aircrafts by the radar, the air defence system was activated and there was a blackout in Colombo City and suburbs for about an hour after 9.20 pm (SLST). However, one of the aircrafts managed to drop a bomb on the Inland Revenue Department injuring at least 50 persons and destroying the building. Two of the injured persons reportedly succumbed to their injuries later. Meanwhile, the aircraft was immediately shot down by the SLAF and its remnants were found in the premises. In addition, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said another LTTE light aircraft was shot down at Katunayake. He said the dead bodies of the LTTE pilots and the wreckage of the aircraft shot down at Katunayake were recovered. The LTTE last launched an aerial attack on Colombo on October 29, 2008
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February - 21 
30 anti personnel mines, five claymore mines, one improvised explosive device, fixed to an 81-mm mortar, and two T-56 magazines were recovered by the troops from the Alankulam area. On the same day, troops recovered two electric generators from the P
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30 anti personnel mines, five claymore mines, one improvised explosive device, fixed to an 81-mm mortar, and two T-56 magazines were recovered by the troops from the Alankulam area. On the same day, troops recovered two electric generators from the Puthukulam area.
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February - 21 February - 22
53 civilians were killed and 130 wounded in continued artillery attack by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in the Mullaitivu District during the past 48 hours, claimed pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. 33 civilians were killed an
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53 civilians were killed and 130 wounded in continued artillery attack by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in the Mullaitivu District during the past 48 hours, claimed pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net. 33 civilians were killed and 73 others wounded when the SLA fired artillery shells towards the Safety Zone at Valaignarmadam, Mullivaaykkaal and Pokkaani on February 21. 20 more civilians were killed and 60 others wounded in the Iranaippaalai, Aananthapuram and Puthukkudiyiruppu areas on February 22, the report added.
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February - 21 
At least 12 civilians, including two children, were shot dead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants at Karawetiyagama in the Rathmalgahaella area of Ampara District on February 21, reported Sri Lanka Army. The militants stormed the
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At least 12 civilians, including two children, were shot dead by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants at Karawetiyagama in the Rathmalgahaella area of Ampara District on February 21, reported Sri Lanka Army. The militants stormed the village and opened indiscriminate fire at the villagers killing at least 12 of them while injuring some others, including two children.
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February - 21 
LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s wife and two children have left Sri Lanka as the Government troops zero in on the last pockets of the LTTE, a report said on February 22, according to Colombo Page. "Intelligence agencies say that Prabhakaran is s
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LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s wife and two children have left Sri Lanka as the Government troops zero in on the last pockets of the LTTE, a report said on February 22, according to Colombo Page. "Intelligence agencies say that Prabhakaran is still in this area, but that his wife Madhivadani, daughter Dwarakarnam and youngest son Balachnadran have fled the country," the Lakbima News reported. According to information obtained by a LTTE suicide cadre arrested around a month ago, Prabhakaran's eldest son Charles Anthony is also in Puthukkudiyiruppu.
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February - 21 February - 22
The death toll in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attack at civilians in the Ampara District has risen to 21, the Media Centre for National Security said on February 22, according to Colombo page. As reported earlier, at least 12 civilian
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The death toll in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attack at civilians in the Ampara District has risen to 21, the Media Centre for National Security said on February 22, according to Colombo page. As reported earlier, at least 12 civilians, including two children, were shot dead and several others injured by the militants who stormed Karawetiyagama village on February 21.
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February - 21 
The LTTE on February 21 said that the February 20 air strikes carried out by it over capital Colombo killing two people and injuring 54 others were suicide attacks by its elite Black Air Tiger squad (suicide squad of the LTTE’s Air Wing), reports Tim
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The LTTE on February 21 said that the February 20 air strikes carried out by it over capital Colombo killing two people and injuring 54 others were suicide attacks by its elite Black Air Tiger squad (suicide squad of the LTTE’s Air Wing), reports Times of India. The outfit said that two men from the Black Air Tiger suicide squad piloted the two light aircraft that carried out the attack. In addition, the military, quoting initial investigation, said in a statement that that the pilot, whose body was found intact, had a large quantity of explosives and bombs inside the aircraft.
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February - 21 
The Security Forces (SFs) conducted search operation in the Vishvamadu area and recovered one claymore mine production machine, one communication equipment, 57 kilograms of C-4 explosives, 35 kilograms of gun powder, 44 claymore mines, 125 Bangalore
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The Security Forces (SFs) conducted search operation in the Vishvamadu area and recovered one claymore mine production machine, one communication equipment, 57 kilograms of C-4 explosives, 35 kilograms of gun powder, 44 claymore mines, 125 Bangalore torpedoes, one hundred and four 81-mm mortar bombs, four anti-tank bombs, 1880 rounds of Multi MPMG ammunition, 750 rounds of T-56 ammunition, 350 barrels of 210 l-capacity containing diesel and kerosene, one 120-mm mortar bomb, one pressure mine, fifty 60-mm para bombs, four hundred 82-mm para bombs, one claymore mine weighing about 3.5 kilograms, 158 improvised bombs and one hand grenade.
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February - 21 
Troops advancing towards Puthukkudiyiruppu town attacked more LTTE camps in the west and south of Puthukkudiyiruppu inflicting heavy casualties among the militants on February 21, reports Sri Lanka Army. During subsequent search operations, the Secur
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Troops advancing towards Puthukkudiyiruppu town attacked more LTTE camps in the west and south of Puthukkudiyiruppu inflicting heavy casualties among the militants on February 21, reports Sri Lanka Army. During subsequent search operations, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered dead bodies of 11 militants along with 15 T-56 weapons, two I-com sets, one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG), one Light Machine Gun, one radio set, one Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG), LTTE weapon production factory and stock of LTTE uniforms from the Puthukkudiyiruppu west and Ampalavanpokkanai areas.
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February - 22 
During another search operation in the Akkarayankulam and Murikkandy areas, troops recovered six RPG bombs, 31 hand grenades, 11 hand grenades fuses, 275 MPMG ammunitions and a one can with explosives. Similarly, troops in the Kokavil area recovered
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During another search operation in the Akkarayankulam and Murikkandy areas, troops recovered six RPG bombs, 31 hand grenades, 11 hand grenades fuses, 275 MPMG ammunitions and a one can with explosives. Similarly, troops in the Kokavil area recovered 440 T-56 rounds of ammunition, nine MPMG links and seven APMs. In addition, the SFs found six APMs, 11 APM fuses, 360 APM fuse caps, five metre long trip wire, three 81-mm mortar, sixteen 81-mm mortar chargers and one 81-mm mortar fuse from the Wannivilankulam area. Troops also recovered one hand grenades from Manampitiya.
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February - 22 
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the number of civilians remaining in the clutches of the LTTE is only 70,000, reports Colombo Page. Speaking to the media, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said nearly 35,800 civilians have left the conf
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Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the number of civilians remaining in the clutches of the LTTE is only 70,000, reports Colombo Page. Speaking to the media, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said nearly 35,800 civilians have left the conflict areas in Mullaitivu and arrived at Vavuniya since January 1, 2009. According to the military spokesman, some others have arrived at Jaffna by boats. Brigadier Nanayakkara said there are only 78 square kilometers to be liberated from the LTTE, including an area of 22 square kilometers reserved as a 'safety zone' for civilians. He said only three platoons, 53rd Division, 58th Division and the Task Force-IV of the Sri Lanka Army are conducting operations close to the Puthukkudiyiruppu junction as they need to liberate only a very limited area.
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February - 22 
On February 22, the SFs clashed with a group of four LTTE militants in the Vattappalai area killing all of them. The troops later recovered the dead bodies of the slain militants along with three T-56 weapons, one assault rife with a silencer, one ma
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On February 22, the SFs clashed with a group of four LTTE militants in the Vattappalai area killing all of them. The troops later recovered the dead bodies of the slain militants along with three T-56 weapons, one assault rife with a silencer, one magazine, 12 hand grenades, two military packs, one I-com set, forty-two dry ration packets and 14 packets of biscuits.
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February - 22 
Sunday Times reports that Member of Parliament Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias ‘Colonel’ Karuna Amman has put forward three main conditions, including the halt of government-sponsored colonization programmes in the Eastern Province, before he joi
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Sunday Times reports that Member of Parliament Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias ‘Colonel’ Karuna Amman has put forward three main conditions, including the halt of government-sponsored colonization programmes in the Eastern Province, before he joins the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). An understanding between Karuna and President Mahinda Rajapakse has been reached, Karuna’s aide Tachchinamoorthy Kamalanathan said. In terms of the deal, any colonization programme should be in keeping with the pre-1983 ethnic ratio of the province, he said. The formation of a separate administrative unit in the East for the Tamils and Muslims under the 13th Amendment has also been agreed upon, he added. The Minister and United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Susil Premajayantha said Karuna had promised to register with the SLFP as many as 2,000 members, including some former fighters. He said that some of them would soon be appointed as district organizers in the east. The third major factor in the agreement relates to the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) members joining the Security Forces. A few days ago, some 250 former TMVP cadres joined the army, the report added.
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February - 22 
The SFs recovered the dead body of another militant along with 3088 hand grenades, nine arul bombs, 114 anti-personnel mines (APMs), three T-56 weapons, seven claymore mines, one 82-mm mortar, 1000 MPMG ammunitions, one I-com set, two magazines, one
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The SFs recovered the dead body of another militant along with 3088 hand grenades, nine arul bombs, 114 anti-personnel mines (APMs), three T-56 weapons, seven claymore mines, one 82-mm mortar, 1000 MPMG ammunitions, one I-com set, two magazines, one 30 Kv generator, two computers, one MPMG weapon, six boot pairs, 10 LTTE uniforms and five LTTE caps from the Vishvamadu area.
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February - 22 
Urging International Community to effect a cease-fire and initiate a political solution as a priority than insisting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to lay down arms, the Political Head of the LTTE, B. Nadesan, on February 22 (today) made
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Urging International Community to effect a cease-fire and initiate a political solution as a priority than insisting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to lay down arms, the Political Head of the LTTE, B. Nadesan, on February 22 (today) made an appeal to the heads of the Tokyo Co-chairs countries saying that "when a permanent political solution is reached for the Tamil people, with the support and the guarantee of the international community, the situation will arise where there will be no need for the arms of the LTTE," according to Tamil Net. In a letter to the Co-chairs, he wrote, "The world should take note that calls for the LTTE to lay down its arms and surrender is not helpful for resolving the conflict. The LTTE has [earlier] taken part in numerous peace efforts. No one insisted then that the LTTE should lay down its arms." Expecting the LTTE to lay down arms without political solution is degrading human struggle for freedom and amounts to congratulating genocide, he added. Earlier, the Co-chairs urged the LTTE to discuss with the Government of Sri Lanka the modalities for ending hostilities, including the laying down of arms.
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February - 23 
58th Division recovered the dead body of a LTTE militant along with one I-com set and one T-56 weapon following a confrontation in the Puthukkudiyiruppu east area.
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58th Division recovered the dead body of a LTTE militant along with one I-com set and one T-56 weapon following a confrontation in the Puthukkudiyiruppu east area.
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February - 23 
A day earlier, the SFs during a search operation recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the Vishvamadu area. The recovery made from a suspected LTTE arms production factory included one hundred and fifty 81-mm mortar bombs, 250 mortar bombs tr
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A day earlier, the SFs during a search operation recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the Vishvamadu area. The recovery made from a suspected LTTE arms production factory included one hundred and fifty 81-mm mortar bombs, 250 mortar bombs trails, 150 boxes of iron balls, 15 rolls of aluminium cable, thirty-five thousand 12.7 ammunition empty cases, ten thousand 12.7 ammunition heads/noses, forty-one 130-mm mortar projectiles, one pistol magazine, one hundred and twenty-six 9-mm pistol rounds of ammunition, 23 barrels of diesel, 29 barrels of kerosene, 12 hand grenades, three T-56 weapons, five Motorola Base station communication sets, 80 I-com sets, fourteen 81-mm bombs, one hundred and ninety-five 81-mm mortar bomb trails, 250 claymore mine double leg stands, 71 claymore triple leg stands, five Bangalore Torpedo explosive devices, one 2.5 kilograms land mine, one five kilograms land mine, 288 kilograms of TNT explosives, two trapped 81-mm bombs, 1000 plastic mine covers, 33 claymore mines, 30 pressure mines, 20 patrol bombs, 10 kilograms of C-4 explosives, one computer, one Ashok Leyland truck, one Ashok Leyland lorry, ten 60-mm mortar bombs and five LTTE made Arul mortar bombs.
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February - 23 
Defence Affairs spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella described as hilarious the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) latest attempt to call for a truce and pleading for a cease-fire to the United Nations (UN) at a time when the outfit is all
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Defence Affairs spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella described as hilarious the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) latest attempt to call for a truce and pleading for a cease-fire to the United Nations (UN) at a time when the outfit is all but defeated militarily. Referring to the letter sent by the LTTE’s political wing leader B. Nadesan to the UN, he said Nadesan in the first place has to understand what a ceasefire is. "It's hilarious. The country and the world are quite aware of the nature of the LTTE. It is a ploy used by the LTTE over two decades when it is about to be militarily defeated. Every time the LTTE is on the verge of defeat militarily and losing weapons and equipment, then it calls a truce," Minister Rambukwella told Daily News. Minister Rambukwella calling the LTTE to surrender urged them to release all civilians held in captivity by it. "We call on the LTTE to lay down arms and surrender. There will be no ceasefire until terrorism is defeated. Therefore, calling for a ceasefire at this juncture is hilarious," he added. The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a halt to fighting between Sri Lankan Government forces and the LTTE to allow civilians to flee and for political talks to try and end the 25-year conflict, The Hindu reported. Ban told reporters that the UN deplores the increasing casualty toll among civilians trapped in intense fighting between the Government and the LTTE in north-eastern Sri Lanka. "The UN ... would strongly support a suspension of fighting for the purpose of allowing safe passage of the civilian population trying to flee the conflict," the secretary-general said. "There is an urgent need to bring this conflict to an end without any further unnecessary loss of civilian life and destruction of Sri Lankan society. The United Nations renews its call on all sides to pursue serious efforts toward political discussion to achieve an orderly end to the conflict, “he added.
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February - 23 
Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told Daily Mirror that around 250 LTTE cadres have so far arrived in the cleared areas (area under Government control) during the past few weeks and surrendered to the military. He sa
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Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told Daily Mirror that around 250 LTTE cadres have so far arrived in the cleared areas (area under Government control) during the past few weeks and surrendered to the military. He said that these cadres had owned up themselves as LTTE cadres. Meanwhile, Army Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that 20 of them identified as hardcore fighters were referred to the rehabilitation centres after a screening process. The Brigadier said the existing ones were at the welfare centres with the other internally displaced persons. “We are giving prominence to the hardcore fighters when rehabilitating. There are young men and women among these surrendered members. They have admitted that they served the organisation for a long time,” he added.
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February - 23 
Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said that contrary to certain reports in the international media, no cease-fire call has been made by the United Nations (UN), reported Daily News. He said the UN has not officially informed him of any suc
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Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said that contrary to certain reports in the international media, no cease-fire call has been made by the United Nations (UN), reported Daily News. He said the UN has not officially informed him of any such call for a cease-fire. At a media briefing in New York on February 23 the UN Secretary General, Ban-Ki-moon had only stated that he was in support of a ‘suspension of fighting for the purpose of allowing safe passage of the civilian population, trying to flee the conflict’. "The intention of the Government too is to ensure these civilians are afforded safe passage. But these efforts have been greatly hampered, as the LTTE continues to hold civilians hostage and using them as a human shield," the Minister noted. "Restricting their freedom of movement in this manner is clearly a breach of international humanitarian law. This was also stated by UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Sir John Holmes during his recent visit to the country" the Minister added. The Minister also re-iterated that the stand taken by the Government on the cease-fire issue had not changed, and the LTTE had to lay down their arms.
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February - 23 
Government officials said that the LTTE's air power has almost collapsed after two outfit’s aircraft, which entered the Colombo sky to carry out a suicide mission, were destroyed by the SFs, officials said. "I do not think the LTTE has any more aircr
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Government officials said that the LTTE's air power has almost collapsed after two outfit’s aircraft, which entered the Colombo sky to carry out a suicide mission, were destroyed by the SFs, officials said. "I do not think the LTTE has any more aircraft left. The two planes took off from a restricted air strip in Puthukudirippu and came to Colombo through Mankulam and Mannar," the officials said, adding they were detected on time failing which the damage to Colombo could have been quite high. Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said defence authorities had estimated the LTTE to have three aircraft of which one was destroyed a few months ago and the other two on February 20. The defence authorities had claimed that the Sri Lanka Air Force destroyed the first aircraft on September 9, 2008 when the LTTE carried out an air and ground attack on the air force base in Vavuniya.
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February - 23 
On February 23, the troops clashed with the LTTE militants in the Mullaitivu area and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of two LTTE militants along with 4000 rounds of Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) ammunition, four MPMG links, two Rocket Prop
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On February 23, the troops clashed with the LTTE militants in the Mullaitivu area and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of two LTTE militants along with 4000 rounds of Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) ammunition, four MPMG links, two Rocket Propeller Guns (RPGs) and one night vision device. Also, the dead body of a LTTE militant along with a dog tag (Number: 020) and a cyanide capsule was recovered from the Olumaduwai area. In addition, the SFs in Puthukkudiyiruppu and Kuppulankulam areas recovered 48 anti-personnel mines (APMs), four 81-mm heat bombs, three 81-mm white phosphorus bombs, 76 kerosene oil barrels, two back packs, two belt orders, 48 LTTE caps, 78 LTTE cap badges, one I-com radio set, one jacket, 14 RPG rockets, 4000 T-56 ammunition and nine hand grenades. Similarly, one MPMG, one Light Machine Gun (LMG), seven T-56 weapons and one 12.7 tool kit was recovered from the Puthukuduiruppu area. At Udayarkattikkulam, the SFs recovered seven hand grenades, one claymore mine, four 81-mm mortar bombs, four chargers for mortar launchers, 3000 MPMG ammunition, 5000 T-56 ammunition, one belt order and one motor cycle. Similarly, troops operating in the Chalai area recovered 185 APMs and one shot gun from the area.
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February - 23 
On the same day, the largest LTTE boat ever found by the SFs was reported from Devapuram area in northwest of Puthukkudiyiruppu. The engine and other important parts of this long sea craft had been removed by the militants who abandoned it on a trail
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On the same day, the largest LTTE boat ever found by the SFs was reported from Devapuram area in northwest of Puthukkudiyiruppu. The engine and other important parts of this long sea craft had been removed by the militants who abandoned it on a trailer when the 58th Division troops found it. It seemed that militants had attempted to drag away the boat which is about 60 feet in length and 10 feet in width. Also, a LTTE torture camp having many cells with doors made of iron bars was found by the troops from the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu.
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February - 23 
Police in France arrested six Sri Lankan Tamils accused of killing a Police officer in Paris, officials said. Sugeeswara Senadheera, Minister Counsellor, Sri Lankan embassy in Paris, told BBC Sandeshaya that all arrested were members of the Liberatio
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Police in France arrested six Sri Lankan Tamils accused of killing a Police officer in Paris, officials said. Sugeeswara Senadheera, Minister Counsellor, Sri Lankan embassy in Paris, told BBC Sandeshaya that all arrested were members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The French Policeman was shot dead, Senadheera said, as he questioned the group collecting money for a banned organisation. “The only banned organisation that Tamil people are collecting money in France is the LTTE,” he said. Leader of the group was identified as Kandaiyah, a man who has links with the LTTE, according to the official. A Tamil woman is also among the arrested. The French Police arrested 19 suspected LTTE members, last year. “There is also a link between the two incidents as the shooting incident has happened in front of the LTTE Paris leader’s residence,” he said.
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February - 23 
Security Forces (SFs) reached closer to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) Puthukkudiyiruppu town, the outfit’s last stronghold, and regained a section of the earth bund in the Kombavil area of Mullaitivu District on February 23, reported
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Security Forces (SFs) reached closer to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) Puthukkudiyiruppu town, the outfit’s last stronghold, and regained a section of the earth bund in the Kombavil area of Mullaitivu District on February 23, reported Daily News. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, “Troops successfully repulsed LTTE resistance and progressed further into the LTTE defence line. Following a fierce battle troops recovered three LTTE bodies and two T-56 assault rifles from the scene.” He added that the LTTE cadres had built an earth bund from North to South fortifying the Iranapali area, which is considered a key LTTE foothold in northeast Puthukkudiyiruppu, the sources said. According to military sources the SFs have now encircled Puthukkudiyiruppu town from all directions and positioned themselves within 400 metres of striking distance. The outfit’s territory in Mullaitivu jungles are now confined to a mere 73 square kilometres, added sources.
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February - 23 
Task Force-V troops recovered one 122-mm artillery round and one more LTTE made mortar bomb from the Pandiyankulam area. Two more 81-mm bombs and one Rocket Propeller Grenade bomb were recovered by Task Force–VII troops from the Muhamalai area of Jaf
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Task Force-V troops recovered one 122-mm artillery round and one more LTTE made mortar bomb from the Pandiyankulam area. Two more 81-mm bombs and one Rocket Propeller Grenade bomb were recovered by Task Force–VII troops from the Muhamalai area of Jaffna District.
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February - 24 
37 civilians, including 12 United Nations local staff, who were detained by the LTTE militants in un-cleared areas (areas not under Government control) managed to escape and reached the naval troops in the Palamoddai area of Vavuniya District.
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37 civilians, including 12 United Nations local staff, who were detained by the LTTE militants in un-cleared areas (areas not under Government control) managed to escape and reached the naval troops in the Palamoddai area of Vavuniya District.
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February - 24 
A group of LTTE militants who attempted to infiltrate the SF’s defence line in the north of Mullaitivu was observed and fired upon by the 59th Division troops killing a number of militants, according to Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The SFs later recovered t
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A group of LTTE militants who attempted to infiltrate the SF’s defence line in the north of Mullaitivu was observed and fired upon by the 59th Division troops killing a number of militants, according to Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The SFs later recovered the dead bodies of 19 militants. The clashes were still going on till the reports came in.
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February - 24 
A special Police team attached to the Trincomalee Police station acting on information on conducted a search in the Thoppigala jungles of Batticaloa District and recovered one anti aircraft missile concealed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (L
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A special Police team attached to the Trincomalee Police station acting on information on conducted a search in the Thoppigala jungles of Batticaloa District and recovered one anti aircraft missile concealed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants before they fled the area. The report said that it was a heat seeking type surface to air missile.
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February - 24 
According to Colombo Page, two of the 390 civilians, a 13-year-old girl and a woman, evacuated and admitted to the Trincomalee Hospital by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) succumbed to their injuries in the night of February 24. On the
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According to Colombo Page, two of the 390 civilians, a 13-year-old girl and a woman, evacuated and admitted to the Trincomalee Hospital by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) succumbed to their injuries in the night of February 24. On the same day, 224 wounded civilians, including 76 children, and 66 sick civilians were admitted to the Trincomalee Hospital following their evacuation by the ICRC over the sea with the assistance of Sri Lankan Navy, hospital sources said. These civilians were evacuated by the ICRC from the LTTE-controlled Puttumatalan in Mullaitivu District. This is the fifth time the ICRC brought down wounded and sick civilians to Trincomalee by sea, added a SLA report. By February 24, around 2006 civilians were reportedly brought to Trincomalee by the ICRC.
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February - 24 
During another search operation in the Malawi area, SFs recovered one claymore mine of 12.5 kilograms, 320 rounds of T-56 ammunition, seven anti-personnel mines (APMs), one cyanide capsule, one LTTE dog tag, some LTTE uniform items and 13 LTTE litera
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During another search operation in the Malawi area, SFs recovered one claymore mine of 12.5 kilograms, 320 rounds of T-56 ammunition, seven anti-personnel mines (APMs), one cyanide capsule, one LTTE dog tag, some LTTE uniform items and 13 LTTE literature books. At Maniarkulam, troops recovered 20 APMs, 20 five fuses, twenty two 60-mm mortar bombs with fuses and two hand grenades.
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February - 24 
Fighting intensified between the troops and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area as the outfit was putting up stiff resistance in their final stronghold in Mullaitivu District on February 24, reported Sri La
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Fighting intensified between the troops and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area as the outfit was putting up stiff resistance in their final stronghold in Mullaitivu District on February 24, reported Sri Lanka Army. While eight militants were killed, the troops also recovered 14 T-56 weapons, one I-com radio set, one Rocket Propeller Gun (RPG) and one claymore mine from the Puthukkudiyiruppu north. In addition, Security Force (SF) personnel killed six militants in the area north of Puthukkudiyiruppu, Defence.lk reports.
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February - 24 
One more LTTE camp was captured by the Task Force-IV troops following heavy clashes with the militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. Subsequently, the troops recovered forty-five 80-mm mortar barrels, fifteen 80-mm bipods, 32 base plates, fourteen 6
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One more LTTE camp was captured by the Task Force-IV troops following heavy clashes with the militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. Subsequently, the troops recovered forty-five 80-mm mortar barrels, fifteen 80-mm bipods, 32 base plates, fourteen 60-mm mortar launchers, forty-three 60-mm mortar barrels, twenty-five commando mortar barrels, three 120-mm artillery barrels, three .50 weapons without buts, one carlgustave weapon and a large stock of T-56, T-81 and 303 riffles from the captured camp.
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February - 24 
One RPG round, 500 rounds of T-56 ammunition, three hand grenades, one tractor trailer, one motorbike, two generators of 3kv and 5kv, and one water pump were recovered by the SFs from the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu. Separately, four hand grenade
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One RPG round, 500 rounds of T-56 ammunition, three hand grenades, one tractor trailer, one motorbike, two generators of 3kv and 5kv, and one water pump were recovered by the SFs from the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu. Separately, four hand grenades and two claymore mines were recovered from the Ampakamam, Nedunkerni and Iranamadu areas.
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February - 24 
Security Forces (SFs) entered Puthukkudiyiruppu Township, the last township under the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) control, in the Mullaitivu District following fierce fighting in the morning of February 24, reported Daily News. Military
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Security Forces (SFs) entered Puthukkudiyiruppu Township, the last township under the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) control, in the Mullaitivu District following fierce fighting in the morning of February 24, reported Daily News. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, "Troops launched a heavy offensive and marched forward to liberate the Puthukkudiyiruppu area. Task Force IV from the south, troops of the 53 division from the west and 58 Division from the west and northwest encircled the LTTE earth bund and made rapid advances to enter the Puthukkudiyiruppu Township while encountering stiff resistance. Tiger cadres facing heavy defeat and retaliation from the Security Forces, fled the area leaving arms and bodies. Troops advanced into the LTTE territory inflicting severe casualties. Scores of LTTE cadres were killed and many wounded." After the capture of Puthukkudiyiruppu, the LTTE militants will be cornered to some coastal villages and jungles in Mullaitivu.
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February - 24 
Six more civilians were killed when the SLA fired artillery shell near the makeshift hospital at Puthumaaththalan, the Website added.
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Six more civilians were killed when the SLA fired artillery shell near the makeshift hospital at Puthumaaththalan, the Website added.
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February - 24 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is not expected to surrender despite losing his de facto State and may instead try to flee by boat, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told AFP in an interview on February 2
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is not expected to surrender despite losing his de facto State and may instead try to flee by boat, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told AFP in an interview on February 24. He said that Prabhakaran could use a human smuggling ring to escape by boat. "They can try to escape by boat although we have a big naval blockade. It is a difficult task, but there is a possibility they will be able to do it. He is still there (in the country). I don’t see why he should commit suicide or surrender. After fighting for over 30 years, I don’t think he will take the cyanide capsule, he will try to escape," he said. Rajapakse said the LTTE is preventing 70,000 civilians from leaving the narrow, 75-square-kilometre (28-square-mile) area still under their control to ensure no heavy weapons would be fired into the area, adding, "He (Prabhakaran) must be looking at human smuggling operations to get out of the country. That is a viable option for him. After Prabhakaran escapes with about 40 or 50 of his senior men, the Tigers will allow civilians to leave (the conflict zone)."
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February - 24 
Three Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed Iranaippaalai thrice, killing seven civilians, claimed pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net. At least four of the victims belonged to a single family, according to the report.
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Three Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed Iranaippaalai thrice, killing seven civilians, claimed pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net. At least four of the victims belonged to a single family, according to the report.
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February - 25 
A huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered by the SFs from the Chalai area on February 25. Among others, the seizure included seven claymore mines, eight claymore boards, 119 Bangalore torpedoes, 66 Bangalore torpedoes fuses, 120 grenade laun
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A huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered by the SFs from the Chalai area on February 25. Among others, the seizure included seven claymore mines, eight claymore boards, 119 Bangalore torpedoes, 66 Bangalore torpedoes fuses, 120 grenade launcher bombs, 15 improvised anti-tank mines, 36 anti-tank mine chargers, one RPG bomb, five pressure mine chargers, 20 chargers with electric circuits, 29 firing devices, 43 hand grenades, 34 kilograms of TNT explosives, 18 kilogram of C-4 explosives and 105 APMs.
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February - 25 
Army troops clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Chalai, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Palamattalan and Mulliyaweli east areas of Mullaitivu District on February 25, according to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). During subsequent s
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Army troops clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Chalai, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Palamattalan and Mulliyaweli east areas of Mullaitivu District on February 25, according to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). During subsequent search operations, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead body of one militant along with two T-56 weapons, 10 hand grenades, one improvised bomb, fitted to a 120-mm mortar bomb, and a magazine.
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February - 25 February - 27
At least 135 civilians were killed and several others wounded in continued military offensive in the Mullaitivu District during the past three days, the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net reported. While 60 civilians report
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At least 135 civilians were killed and several others wounded in continued military offensive in the Mullaitivu District during the past three days, the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net reported. While 60 civilians reportedly died in the bombing and artillery and mortar attack on February 27, the number of civilians killed on February 25 and February 26 totalled 75. 18 of the victims on February 25 and two on February 26 were killed within the 'safety zone' in artillery shelling. The Website also claimed that a Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jet engaged in bombing civilian pockets at Aananthapuram and Chempankundu exploded on February 27. On February 26, the troops clashed with LTTE militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area of Mullaitivu District killing 14 of them, reports Daily News. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, “LTTE transmissions confirmed that 14 Tigers were killed and over 30 wounded during the clash. An LTTE ground commander known as Shankar who led the confrontation in Puthukkudiyiruppu area was killed.” In addition, an unspecified number of militants were killed during clashes between the two sides in Ampalavanpokkanai, Mulliyavalai, east Puthukkudiyiruppu, Chalai and Terumurikandi areas. Following the clashes at Ampalavanpokkanai, troops recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with eight 81-mm mortars, booby traps, 35 hand grenades, a T-56 assault riffle and an I-Com set, Nanayakkara added.
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February - 25 
The Government is planning to reopen the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway for the public by next month after completing the de-mining process, said Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, reports Colombo Page. However, an AFP report said the milit
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The Government is planning to reopen the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway for the public by next month after completing the de-mining process, said Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, reports Colombo Page. However, an AFP report said the military reopened the road on February 25 and operated a food convoy along the A-9 highway to Jaffna.
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February - 25 
The Hindu reports that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse is launching a “National Campaign against the Recruitment of Children for Use in Armed Conflict”. The Presidential Secretariat said as per reports before 2003, nearly 60 per cent or 8,500
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The Hindu reports that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse is launching a “National Campaign against the Recruitment of Children for Use in Armed Conflict”. The Presidential Secretariat said as per reports before 2003, nearly 60 per cent or 8,500 of the 14,000 LTTE fighting cadre were children under 18 years. “These were often referred to as the LTTE’s ‘Baby Brigade’. There was more reliable information after this, when parents began reporting to UNICEF offices of the forcible recruitment of children for combat,” it said. According to the latest figures – in December 2008 – the LTTE recruited 3,809 boys and 2,478 girls. There are claims that 2059 such children, or those recruited as children, have been released, which requires verification.
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February - 26 
Daily News reports that following fierce clashes, the SFs captured a suicide bomb factory and the hideout of Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) leader Soosai and also detected a swimming pool used by the LTTE leadership on February 25. Military spok
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Daily News reports that following fierce clashes, the SFs captured a suicide bomb factory and the hideout of Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) leader Soosai and also detected a swimming pool used by the LTTE leadership on February 25. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops in west Puthukkudiyiruppu captured a suicide bomb factory, adding, “It is believed that the Tigers used the location as a manufacturing yard for suicide bombs, claymore mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).” He said adjoining to the bomb manufacturing yard troops captured the Soosai’s hideout. “The bunker was severely damaged due to aerial bombing earlier. Out Boat Motors and many other equipment used by the Sea Tiger cadres were also found in the vicinity,” he added. In addition, the SFs detected a swimming pool, 50 feet long and 30 feet wide with its deep end over 7 feet in depth, and its surrounding fortifications following intense fighting.
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February - 26 
15 children and four women were injured in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area when the LTTE militants opened fire targeting civilians who were fleeing towards cleared areas (area under Government control) in the morning of February 26. This is the third such
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15 children and four women were injured in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area when the LTTE militants opened fire targeting civilians who were fleeing towards cleared areas (area under Government control) in the morning of February 26. This is the third such firing instance.
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February - 26 
During a search operation in the Valaichchenai area of Batticaloa District, troops recovered three 60-mm mortar bombs and one Rocket Propeller Grenade bomb on February 25, according to a Sri Lanka Army report.
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During a search operation in the Valaichchenai area of Batticaloa District, troops recovered three 60-mm mortar bombs and one Rocket Propeller Grenade bomb on February 25, according to a Sri Lanka Army report.
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February - 26 
During search operations in the Aliyavalai, Kallikulam areas of Mullaitivu District, Elephant Pass in Jaffna District, Jayapuram and Poonaweli in the Kilinochchi District, SFs recovered 900 T-56 ammunition rounds, 255 rounds of 12.7 ammunition, 27 Ro
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During search operations in the Aliyavalai, Kallikulam areas of Mullaitivu District, Elephant Pass in Jaffna District, Jayapuram and Poonaweli in the Kilinochchi District, SFs recovered 900 T-56 ammunition rounds, 255 rounds of 12.7 ammunition, 27 Rocket Propeller Grenade bombs, 10 chargers, eight hand grenades, six 60-mm mortar bombs, four claymore mines and one shot gun.
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February - 27 February - 28
20 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed as fierce fighting erupted between the troops and the militants in the Mullaitivu District in the night of February 27 and continued till the morning of February 28. Colombo Page report
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20 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed as fierce fighting erupted between the troops and the militants in the Mullaitivu District in the night of February 27 and continued till the morning of February 28. Colombo Page reports that the troops on February 28 stormed the LTTE built earth bund in Palamattalan at the north end of the narrow land strip along the coast following heavy fighting in the area since February 27. Troops also captured the two kilometres long earth bund and a bunker line across the land strip.
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February - 27 
An unspecified number of LTTE militants were killed in fighting with the troops in the area north of Kombavil in Mullaitivu District on February 27, reported Defence.lk. During subsequent search operation, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered dead bod
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An unspecified number of LTTE militants were killed in fighting with the troops in the area north of Kombavil in Mullaitivu District on February 27, reported Defence.lk. During subsequent search operation, the Security Forces (SFs) recovered dead bodies of five militants along with four T-56 weapons.
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February - 27 
Another hand grenade was recovered from the Wangkhei Block office of the ruling Congress party at Soibam Leikai area and subsequently defused by the Manipur Police.
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Another hand grenade was recovered from the Wangkhei Block office of the ruling Congress party at Soibam Leikai area and subsequently defused by the Manipur Police.
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February - 27 
Sri Lanka Police recovered a high power pressure bomb weighing approximately 14 kilograms near the training school of the Special Task Force at Mahiyangana in the Badulla District in the afternoon of February 27, Colombo Page reported.
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Sri Lanka Police recovered a high power pressure bomb weighing approximately 14 kilograms near the training school of the Special Task Force at Mahiyangana in the Badulla District in the afternoon of February 27, Colombo Page reported.
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February - 27 
The SFs also discovered the outfit’s high-tech satellite communication centre in the Puthukudirippu area, military sources said. Computers, computer accessories, switches, and telephones believed to be used for international communication through sat
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The SFs also discovered the outfit’s high-tech satellite communication centre in the Puthukudirippu area, military sources said. Computers, computer accessories, switches, and telephones believed to be used for international communication through satellite were found at the centre, sources added.
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February - 27 
The Special Task Force recovered two T-56 assault rifles, one 12.7 anti-aircraft ammunition, one claymore mine, 760 nine rounds of Multi Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, three rounds of Rocket Propeller Gun, three T-56 magazines and two TNT boosters f
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The Special Task Force recovered two T-56 assault rifles, one 12.7 anti-aircraft ammunition, one claymore mine, 760 nine rounds of Multi Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, three rounds of Rocket Propeller Gun, three T-56 magazines and two TNT boosters from a jungle patch in the costal area of Athurukondan in the Batticaloa District on February 27, according to a Sri Lanka Army report.
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February - 27 
The Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal Party (TMVP) on February 27 released another group of child soldiers who had been recruited for its activities, reported Colombo Page. According to TMVP sources, the party released 250 child soldiers at a speci
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The Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal Party (TMVP) on February 27 released another group of child soldiers who had been recruited for its activities, reported Colombo Page. According to TMVP sources, the party released 250 child soldiers at a special function held in the Batticaloa District Secretariat, responding to an appeal by the United Nations Children's Fund.
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February - 27 
Troops recovered six 81-mm mortar bombs, 15 anti-personnel mines, three T-56 magazines, 15 detonators, two 81-mm mortar bombs converted into booby traps, five metre long safety fuses and nine metre long detonator cords from the Muthaliyakulam, Karupp
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Troops recovered six 81-mm mortar bombs, 15 anti-personnel mines, three T-56 magazines, 15 detonators, two 81-mm mortar bombs converted into booby traps, five metre long safety fuses and nine metre long detonator cords from the Muthaliyakulam, Karuppadimuruppu and Mankulam areas, according to a Sri Lanka Army report. Similarly, a plastic bottle stuffed with explosives was recovered from Vettalaikerny in the Jaffna District.
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February - 27 
Up to 85,000 civilians trapped in north-eastern Sri Lanka could flee the war zone in coming weeks as the Army closes in on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-held territory, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on F
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Up to 85,000 civilians trapped in north-eastern Sri Lanka could flee the war zone in coming weeks as the Army closes in on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-held territory, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on February 27, The Hindu reports. "Given the magnitude of the civilian population still trapped inside the LTTE-held territory and expected to flee into government-controlled areas as military operations advance further, UNHCR has requested the government of Sri Lanka to provide another 300 acres to bring the total potential reception capacity to 85,000 persons," the UNHCR spokesman William Spindler told a news briefing. The Sri Lankan Government has already allocated 300 acres of land where the UNHCR can receive up to 42,000 people by the end of next week, spokesman William Spindler said, citing the need to double the space to accommodate uprooted people in the region. Some 36,000 displaced civilians have already fled to Government-controlled areas of Vavuniya and Jaffna, according to the World Food Programme (WFP), which delivered 40 metric tonnes of food by tugboat to the northern Government-designated safe zone in the Wanni area on February 26. It was its first delivery in six weeks after WFP land convoys were interrupted by the fighting on January 16, WFP spokeswoman Emilia Casella said. The agency plans to deliver up to 300 metric tonnes of food per week, she said. Aid agencies estimate 200,000 people are trapped in a narrow 12-kilometres (7.5-mile) war zone on the north-eastern coast, where the military has cornered the LTTE.
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February - 28 
At Ampalavanpokkanai in the northwest of Puthukkudiyiruppu the SFs recovered two large sea crafts which had been brought to the land and kept in the jungle.
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At Ampalavanpokkanai in the northwest of Puthukkudiyiruppu the SFs recovered two large sea crafts which had been brought to the land and kept in the jungle.
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February - 28 
On February 28, troops in the southwest of Mulliyavalai recovered the dead body of one militant along with one T-56 weapon, five T-56 magazines, 346 rounds of ammunition, one suicide jacket, one satellite phone, one map, one phone charger, one I-com
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On February 28, troops in the southwest of Mulliyavalai recovered the dead body of one militant along with one T-56 weapon, five T-56 magazines, 346 rounds of ammunition, one suicide jacket, one satellite phone, one map, one phone charger, one I-com set, one cyanide capsule, one Global Positioning System, one hand grenade, one compass, one LTTE uniform and one LTTE pack on February 28, reports Sri Lanka Army.
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February - 28 
On the same day, one 81-mm improvised explosive device and 12 anti-personnel mines were recovered by the troops from the Olumaduwai and Mullikulam areas.
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On the same day, one 81-mm improvised explosive device and 12 anti-personnel mines were recovered by the troops from the Olumaduwai and Mullikulam areas.
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February - 28 
Reports indicate that LTTE’s Intelligence Chief Pottu Amman is believed to be active on the ground as fighting raged in Puthukkudiyiruppu, according to Daily Mirror. It is reported that he has even called for urgent assistance from other LTTE leaders
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Reports indicate that LTTE’s Intelligence Chief Pottu Amman is believed to be active on the ground as fighting raged in Puthukkudiyiruppu, according to Daily Mirror. It is reported that he has even called for urgent assistance from other LTTE leaders requesting more weapons to the Puthukkudiyiruppu battlefield. According to ground military information, the army had monitored a conversation between Pottu Amman and another unknown senior leader over radio communications on Friday 26. In that conversation, Pottu Amman had sought replenishments of small arms as they came under heavy military attack. It is also reported that Pottu Amman was leading the battle in the Iranapalai area north of Puthukuduiruppu. Earlier, reports said all second level LTTE leaders had been called to the battle front with most of their senior leaders being killed by the military. Civilians, who fled the Puthukuduiruppu area few days ago, told the military that on February 4, they had seen Pottu Amman in the Matalan area in Mullaitivu recruiting people.
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February - 28 
The SFs confronted LTTE militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area inflicting heavy casualties among the militants and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of nine militants along with three T-56 weapons, reported SLA. A few soldiers also sustained in
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The SFs confronted LTTE militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area inflicting heavy casualties among the militants and subsequently recovered the dead bodies of nine militants along with three T-56 weapons, reported SLA. A few soldiers also sustained injuries in fighting.
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February - 28 
The troops engaged a fleet of 10 Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) boats on reinforcement destroying all of them with the militants onboard, according to a Sri Lanka Army (SLA) report. Intercepted LTTE communications confirmed that senior LTTE cadres
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The troops engaged a fleet of 10 Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) boats on reinforcement destroying all of them with the militants onboard, according to a Sri Lanka Army (SLA) report. Intercepted LTTE communications confirmed that senior LTTE cadres commanded the battle against troops in which several militants, including a senior Sea Tiger ground commander, were killed. However, Sunday Observer quoted military officials as saying, “More than 20 Tiger boats attempted to land in Chalai under the direct command of Sea Tiger leader Soosai. The attempt was effectively thwarted by the 55 Division troops destroying more than 10 of their boats.” A suicide boat was also destroyed by the ground troops as it came towards the troops operating in the lagoon front. The ground troops foiled more than 15 counter attacks by the LTTE killing more than 20 of their cadres during the battle. Troops also suffered injuries as LTTE launched a massive assault on the ground troops advancing towards south of Chalai. According to military officials the LTTE is heavily resisting the Security Forces (SFs) advancing to the south of Chalai as it would pave the way for the civilians trapped in the No Fire Zone to flee towards the SFs controlled areas.
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*Data till , April 25, 2024
Source:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.
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