InfoAnda - Sri Lanka says rebel group on brink of defeat

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Rap mogul Suge Knight arrested in Los Angeles | 21 May 2010
A Minute With: Kenny Ortega on the 'It' in This Is It | Entertainment | | 26 October 2009
Iran nuclear talks enter second day | | 24 May 2012

Russian forces kill eight suspected militants in Dagestan | | 27 July 2012

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Sri Lanka says rebel group on brink of defeat

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Sri Lanka says rebel group on brink of defeat By RAVI NESSMAN,Associated Press Writer AP - Sunday, January 11 COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - When Hamilton Wanasinghe was Sri Lanka's military chief in the early 1990s, he tried to buy desperately needed weapons from Russia to fight the Tamil Tiger rebels. Money was so short he offered to trade crates of tea for arms. The Sri Lankan treasury rejected the deal, Wanasinghe says. Then, three years ago, a new president took office and the coffers burst open. Military recruitment swelled, training improved and hundreds of millions of dollars were spent on new hardware to crush the rebels and end a civil war that has lasted 25 years and killed more than 70,000 people on this teardrop-shaped island off India's southern tip. "The sky is the limit. Whatever the country can afford, they get," Wanasinghe said. Senior officials, analysts, diplomats and former military officers say President Mahinda Rajapaksa's commitment to the fight _ coupled with a string of miscalculations by the Tamil Tigers _ has brought one of the world's most sophisticated rebel groups to the brink of defeat. In recent weeks, government forces have broken through the rebels' front lines, forced them out of much of their de facto state in the north and cornered them in a shrinking pocket of northeastern jungle. Top officials predict the imminent demise of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and its dream of creating a breakaway state for the country's ethnic Tamil minority in the north and east. If Sri Lanka succeeds, it could signal the end of one of Asia's most persistent and bloody insurgencies. But a lasting peace will depend on whether the 75 percent Sinhalese majority on the island of 20 million people can come to a political compromise with the Tamils. The Tamils have long felt the government, dominated by the Sinhalese, has discriminated against them, their culture and their language. Rajapaksa has said he would seek a political resolution to the ethnic conflict once the rebels were destroyed. But Sinhalese nationalist politicians have already said that with victory in sight there was no need for the sort of power-sharing arrangement seen as crucial to placating the Tamils and preventing a new outbreak of violence. By some estimates, the retreating rebels still have as many as 10,000 hardcore cadres and another 10,000 reservists still ready to fight. Iqbal Athas, a military analyst for Jane's Defense Weekly, cautions against declaring an early victory. "The war is not yet over," he said. "It could be protracted." Some of the insurgents could take off their uniforms, blend in with the mass of civilians still living in their stronghold and fight on as guerrillas, said Austin Fernando, a former defense secretary. The war that led to the murder of a former Indian prime minister erupted in 1983 after a rebel ambush in the northern Tamil city of Jaffna killed 13 soldiers. Vengeful Sinhalese mobs rampaged through Colombo, the capital 190 miles to the south, leaving more than 2,000 Tamils dead, according to human rights groups. The army of about 40,000 was unprepared for the brutal fighting that ensued, said Wanasinghe. "Our army was mainly for containing internal unrest. It was not trained for war," the ex-military chief said. It soon realized that the rebels, with their rocket-propelled grenades and makeshift armored tractors, were better armed than the troops, he said. The air force was reduced to bombing the rebels with barrels of explosives rolled out the doors of transport planes, he said. Over time, the violence would spike and ebb. India, with its own sympathetic Tamil community, sent in peacekeepers in 1987, but they soon became targets of the rebels and left in 1990. The following year, Rajiv Gandhi, who as Indian prime minister had ordered in the peacekeepers, was killed by a Tamil Tiger female suicide bomber in southern India. Hoping to limit casualties and the mounting expense of the war, Sri Lankan governments vacillated between fighting and seeking peace, with different officials in the same government often working at cross purposes, said Fernando. And while the military did its best to get new equipment and modernize _ buying fighter jets and attack boats _ it never was properly funded, he said. Norwegian mediators brokered a cease-fire in 2002. But in 2005 Rajapaksa was elected president and after a brief stab at peace talks, he committed himself to all-out war. A year ago, he withdrew from the cease-fire. A recruitment drive expanded troop levels by 40 percent, Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said, and the defense budget hit a record $1.6 billion. In previous administrations "the soldiers were getting mixed signals," said Rajapaksa, who is the president's brother. "Here there was no ambiguity in the aim. It was very clear: destroy the LTTE. That was clear from the first day to the last day." "We had a plan. We knew what strength we needed. We knew what equipment we needed ... We gave those to the commanders so the commanders had greater flexibility." The government ignored international pressure to restart peace efforts and shrugged off accusations from human rights groups that it sanctioned extrajudicial killings, allowed paramilitaries to run amok and disregarded the safety of civilians. Rights groups also accused the rebels _ listed as a terror group by the U.S. and European Union _ of forcibly conscripting child soldiers and holding the civilian population under their control hostage. The government barred independent media from the war zone and underreported its casualties, allowing it to suffer huge casualties without losing public support for the war, said several diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. As the war neared its apex last year, the government forced aid workers _ the last independent witnesses _ out of rebel-held areas. Rebel leader Velupillai Prabhakaran had transformed the organization from little more than a street gang in the 1970s into a fearsome guerrilla group that ran a dictatorial regime that ruled a wide swath of the north, with its own police, courts and customs department. The rebels dug in effectively, deployed heavy artillery, established a significant naval wing and a rudimentary air force that once bombed Colombo's international airport. It raised up to $300 million a year from a network of fake charities and international smuggling of arms, drugs and possibly even people, according to Jane's Intelligence Review. At the same time, Prabhakaran molded a suicide cult blamed for more than 240 attacks. He managed to parry many of the government's battlefield successes. When government forces captured the city of Jaffna in 1995, the rebels the following year overran an army base in Mullaittivu, 60 miles away, killing 1,200 troops. But Prabhakaran was making costly errors, analysts said. Gandhi's assassination alienated Prabhakaran's strongest allies in India. During negotiations that followed the 2002 cease-fire, he rejected a deal that would have given the rebels broad autonomy over the north and east but not full independence, according to a diplomat with knowledge of the offer. It was widely seen as the best deal he could ever get. In 2004, a top commander known as Col. Karuna ran afoul of the Tiger leadership and defected to the government side with thousands of his fighters. Prabhakaran then called a Tamil boycott of the 2005 presidential election, which helped propel the hard-line Rajapaksa to victory. After new peace talks failed, the rebels cut off the water supply to more than 60,000 people in the east, provoking the latest government offensive. With Karuna helping the government, the military was able to capture the east in July 2007. Then it turned its attention to the north and forced the rebels into a broad retreat. Now the rebels are huddled in the northeastern jungles along with hundreds of thousands of civilians, many of them war refugees living in makeshift shelters. Military officials believe Prabhakaran is hiding there, protected by hundreds of fighters and an inner security ring of up to 30 Black Tigers, the rebels' suicide commandos. He, like many of his fighters, is said to wear a cyanide vial around his neck to kill himself if captured. Capturing or killing him could plunge the rebels into disarray. But Jehan Perera, a Sri Lankan political analyst, says much more will be needed before Sri Lanka is fully at peace. "Ultimately, this is a conflict between the two largest communities that live on this island and that is not resolved," he said. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific Thai by-elections to test PM's political strengthAP - 24 minutes ago Mercury in gold mining: a Third World toxic threatAP - Sunday, January 11 Sri Lanka says rebel group on brink of defeatAP - Sunday, January 11 Chief of fraud-hit Indian IT firm in prisonAFP - Sunday, January 11 Japanese foreign minister visits Thailand for political talksAFP - Sunday, January 11 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Citigroup: 2-billion-dollar exposure to LyondellBasell Is Tintin gay? Cartoon birthday boy dogged by rumours Half the planet could be hit by food crisis by 2100: study Marks & Spencer to axe 1,230 jobs and close 27 stores Finance fights sex for Aussie dictionary honour View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Sunday, 11 January 2009
Iran disputes report on suicide volunteers
Russia, EU agree plan to resume Europe gas supply
Fans of Mafia supremos get comeuppance on Facebook
Iraqi govt won't forcibly evict Iranians
Obama's team touts stimulus
Three down, one left for Mitsubishi in Dakar
Nine-Year-Old Missing Girl Found By Police Using Google Street View
Peanut Butter Eyed As Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak Culprit
USS George HW Bush Aircraft Carrier Commissioned
Chief of fraud-hit Indian IT firm in prison
Japanese foreign minister visits Thailand for political talks
Indonesia, France disappointed by rebuffal of UN resolution in Gaza: Yudhoyono
Venus leads Americas to victory in Hong Kong team event
China announces aid package to assist poor: state media
China house prices fall for first time since 2005: state media
China denies closing rail industry to foreign manufacturers
3rd Satyam exec detained after fraud scandal
Attorney: 'Idol' star's NC home won't be auctioned
China forecasts 188 million rail passengers over Lunar New Year
Israel and Hamas vow to fight on in Gaza
Russia signs gas deal with EU | International |
Ukraine signs Russian gas transit deal: Ukraine PM
Swiss Army knife meets Bluetooth
Anger at cardinal's likening of Gaza to death camp
Costa Rica digs for quake victims | International |
Irish foe of EU treaty to set up party offshoot in Poland
US-TECH Summary
Israel warns of further escalation as Gaza death toll tops 850
Venezuela's Chavez threatens to expel U.S. diplomat | International |
Yahoo's Web TV faces uphill battle
At least 33 dead as Peru bus dives off mountain road | International |
Obama touts stimulus plan
Europe protests call for halt to Gaza conflict
Israel tells Gazans to brace for war escalation
Yahoo's Web TV faces uphill battle | Technology |
Chavez says US heating oil program never suspended
Obama-stimulus plan can add and save up to 4 million U.S. jobs
Canada to be Obama's 1st foreign trip as president
Thai by-elections to test PM's political strength
Mercury in gold mining: a Third World toxic threat
Sri Lanka says rebel group on brink of defeat
Latin singer Flex leads Romantic evolution | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Liverpool hands over culture capital title to Austria's Linz
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Latin singer Flex leads "Romantic" evolution
Six soldiers, 40 militants killed in NW Pakistan: official
Israel and Hamas vow to fight on in Gaza | International |
Shortcovers turns iPhones into electronic books
FCC head opposes Obama bid to delay US shift to digital TV
Russia set to resume European gas supplies after deal
ECB under pressure to cut lending rates
Britain's Prince Harry apologises for racist language
Blu-ray DVD booms in aftermath of format war victory
Palm crowns comeback at CES with 'Best in Show' award
Japan PM in Seoul, aims to boost economic ties | International |
Israel pounds Gaza City after warning of escalation
India says not reached end of road on Mumbai attacks | International |
Record tourist numbers as Nepal emerges from civil war | International |
Shortcovers turns iPhones into electronic books
Palm crowns comeback at CES with 'Best in Show' award
Tokyo fish market to re-open to 'ill-mannered' tourists
Pakistan: 6 troops, 40 militants killed in attack
Pakistan extends house arrest of militant leader
Taiwan enforces strict anti-smoking law
US rejected Israel's plea for strike against Iran: report
Thailand holds by-elections in key test for new PM
Four civilians killed in Thai south: police
Japan PM seeks new ties with SKorea by sidestepping tensions
Elvis fever shakes, rattles and rolls Australian town
China to mark defeat of Tibet uprising
Japanese prime minister arrives in Seoul
Venezuela's Chavez investigates US official
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 561
AirAsia X eyes Japan after Tokyo relaxes tough visa rule
Japan's Sanyo braces for zero profit: report
China vice president urges Macau to diversify: reports
Subdued Detroit auto show to focus on going green
Weak won attracts tourists, keeps Koreans at home: government data
Healthier Chinese art market may emerge from crisis
China's Huawei wins 235-mln-dollar Costa Rica 3G phone deal
Party like it's not 2008: Golden Globes return
French filmmaker Claude Berri hospitalised
Party like it's not 2008: Golden Globes return
Foreign-language Globe contenders meet, greet fans
Screenwriter floors it with 'Gran Torino'
'Slumdog' favorite as Globes launch Oscars countdown
Overwork a silent killer in Japan
Formals, face lifts, free stuff: It's Globes time
Britain's Prince Harry apologises for racist language
Sudan security chief warns foreigners of attacks
Six soldiers, 40 militants killed in NW Pakistan: official
Indonesia ferry carrying 250 people sinks: minister | International |
Saudi reformer freed after 8 months in jail
Sri Lanka army fights to finish off Tamil Tigers | International |
Sudan security chief warns foreigners of attacks | International |
Pakistan: 6 troops, 40 militants killed in attack
More than 260 missing in Indonesian ferry disaster
Ex—triad leader Tan Chor Jin cremated
China shuts 91 sites in porn crackdown: state media
25 injured in Philippine plane accident
Man pours flammable liquid on MP, sets him on fire
Indonesia ferry carrying 250 people sinks
Japan's prime minister visits South Korea
India names new board for fraud-hit Satyam
India names 3 to Satyam board after fraud scandal
Report: Taiwan to cut number of foreign laborers
Some 20,000 Indonesian Muslims urge end to Israeli strikes
Toyota to launch pure electric car in U.S. by 2012
Taliban commander killed in offensive: Australia | International |
Somali Islamists clash as Ethiopians withdraw | International |
Toyota to launch pure electric car in U.S. by 2012 | Technology |
Obama vows to tackle Middle East 'on day one'
Obama vows Mideast peace effort from 'day one'
Dr Yaacob lauds S’pore Muslims’ rational response to Mideast conflict
Thai by-elections test ex-PM's influence
Singapore MP set on fire in attack by 70-yr-old
Crowd tries to attack US Consulate in Pakistan
Sri Lanka's military: Soldiers seize rebel camps
Some recent maritime disasters off Indonesia
China seizes man suspected of killing 8 people
Obama Family Makes Surprise Visit To Lincoln Memorial
Tweaked American Idol returns with new judge | Entertainment |
Storm sinks Indonesian ferry, 250 feared dead
Storm sinks Indonesian ferry with 250 passengers
Tweaked "American Idol" returns with new judge
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01