Tamil Tigers fire on government troops during the defence of Kilinochchi. Getty PicturesFrom The Independent:
Amid driving monsoon rain, a bitter and bloody battle is being fought for one of the Tamil Tigers' last strongholds – a battle that could mark a decisive turning point in Sri Lanka's 25-year-old civil war. Government troops, buoyed by their recent capture of the entire western coast of the island, have been pressing to take control of the northern town of Kilinochchi. The town has been the Tigers' de facto headquarters and they are fighting desperately to hold on to it. In recent days, scores of troops on both sides have reportedly been killed.
Sri Lanka's President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, elected three years ago, has been adamant in his determination to destroy the Tigers. Reports suggest the man who formally pulled out of a long-failing ceasefire agreement in January is likely to use the success he has had so far to cement his political power by calling an early election. Analysts say such a move would protect him from criticism over the country's badly stumbling economy.
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My Comment: The Sri Lanka Government is going all out to end this conventional war by the end of this year.