LTTE lost 4,000 cadres this year - Strategy Page

So far this year, the LTTE has lost nearly 4,000 fighters (killed, captured, deserted), the respected military website Strategy Page said.

"It said the trends are going against the LTTE. The Tigers are getting less money, less ammo, and are losing more fighters each month, with no source of replacements or reinforcements. Tamil civilians are often being forced to man the bunkers along the front line. Threats against the families of these reluctant warriors keeps them on the job," it said. It said the Army generals are using tactics that are successful, but keep soldier casualties down.

It is believed that the LTTE in the north will collapse by the end of the year. The LTTE has admitted to some 20,000 dead, through the end of 2007.

The LTTE has been taking a beating. Journalists have seen dozens of captured LTTE bunkers, and several LTTE towns have been captured. There is movement, and it's going against the LTTE, it added.