The LTTE is reportedly evacuating all their fighting cadres from the Jaffna peninsula, leaving behind one of the most guarded FDL's in the North, popularly called the "Muhamalai" exit-entry point that extends from Kilaly in the West and Nagarkovil in the East, through Muhamalai, stretching a distance of 12 miles.
According to reports in pro-Tiger websites, the numbers in the now under way evacuation could be between 3,500 and 4,000 full time fighter cadres, down from about 6,000 cadres as some of the Tiger cadres were shifted to fronts in Wanni when the SL army started their multi – front attacks.
The LTTE still holds the land tracts Pachchilaippalli AGA division and parts of the Pallai and Vadamaratchy East AGA divisions, within the peninsula, North of Elephant pass.
LTTE’s Northern Commander “Col” Theepan was until recently in charge of defense within the peninsula.
The 58 division, also known as Task Force I, led by Brig. Shavendra Silva, has moved up to Kurinchatheevu, adjacent to the Elephant Pass Isthmus, after they captured Paranthan.
This, for the first time since the LTTE captured the strategically important Elephant pass, gives the SL army the advantage of attacking the Muhamalai LTTE defense from the South as well.
Reports indicate the LTTE is using two routes.
One moving Eastward on land to the Vadamaraachchy East coast, to reach Mullaithivu coast by sea tiger boats.
The second, a much tedious journey is moving cadres to South-East to a point called Kombaatty and then cross the lagoon to Ooriyaan on the mainland.
This route requires a LTTE commando unit to ferry trapped cadres in dingy boats and rafts.
Withdrawing tigers have established a new line of defense in areas North of Puthukkaadu junction on the A-9 highway. Tigers are also sniping from the Pallai area.
Cadres stationed along the Nagar Kovil front continue to remain for now and cadres in the peninsula are putting up resistance in a bid to gain time for the total evacuation to complete, according to pro Tiger web reports.
Courtesy:lankadissent.com