Achieving the 'unachievable'!

Rasika SOMARATHNA

With unified, coordinated action, they beat the enemy down, an enemy described by certain pundits as invincible. By doing so they brought peace and harmony to a nation which had not enjoyed such virtues for 30 long years.

The Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, police and Civil Defence Force fought as one, to achieve the common objective of defeating terrorism.

Sri Lankan armed forces undertook their noble mission of ridding the country of terrorism in July 2006 when the LTTE closed down Mavil Aru sluice gates, denying water for over 30,000 civilians. Within one year, they accomplished their mission in Eastern Province.

In another 2 years they reached their final destination containing the remaining LTTE terrorists to a small land area near Nandikadal lagoon. The final battle was like no other as they had to fight with a terrorist force using more than 200,000 civilians as a human shield. They fought with extreme care to avoid civilian casualties.

They accomplished the largest hostage rescue mission the world has ever witnessed with great success before they struck the final blow on the terrorists. The victory was achieved with great sacrifice, determination and professionalism.

Here, we look back at the this great humanitarian mission, highlighting the achievements of each unit separately, as described by the victorious Forces themselves to the 'Daily News' at the end of the conflict in 2009.

The Sri Lanka Army

With the LTTE closing the Mavil Aru sluice gates, thus depriving water to thousands of people, the Army began their push to reopen the anicut and restore water to thousands of suffering civilians.

After their success in Mavilaru, it was with four Regular Infantry battalions along with the Commando and Special Forces troops, the Sri Lanka Army launched its humanitarian operations to defeat LTTE in the East.

Those military victories in the East attracted more youth to the Army with an average of 3,000 youth joining on a monthly basis. This increased its strength from 116,000 in the year 2006 to 200,000 in the year 2009.

It was with that strength the Army could form more and more battalions and offensive Divisions for the Wanni Liberation Operation and to deploy troops to hold the captured ground.

The Army in their push kept gaining ground capturing one LTTE stronghold after the other in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.

With the capture of the then LTTE so-called administrative capital - Kilinochchi the demise of the terrorists hastned.

The final battle took place in an area not more than 4 square kilometres, opening to the Indian Ocean from the East and to the Nanthikadal lagoon from the West.

There were three Army Divisions and one Task Force mainly involved in the ground battle. The 53 Division, the Task Force 8 and the 58 Division.

The final battle unfolded as Sri Lankan armed forces successfully completed the largest hostage rescue mission ever conducted by a conventional military force. Troops started rescuing the last group of hostages since the 16th May 2009 morning and declared the mission accomplished by the next day morning.

On May 18 evening, troops not only crushed the desperate attempt of the LTTE to escape but also took hold of the last remaining land under the LTTE control.

More than 5,200 soldiers sacrificed their lives whilst nearly 30,000 soldiers were wounded in action.

The Sri Lanka Navy

Since the Navy was formed on December 09, 1950 as Royal Ceylon Navy, it had contributed immensely to protect the Sri Lanka's territorial waters, participated in ceremonial functions, assist civil authorities in national calamities such as floods, Tsunami, etc.

With the escalation of war and establishing sea tiger wing the Navy had to face a bigger challenge. The LTTE used the sea as its main medium to carry out various activities. However, the Navy was able to counter this threat effectively.

The LTTE carried out many smuggling activities at the initial stages and also to obtain supplies from overseas using boats with fairly high speed OBM's.

The Navy purchased Dvora Fast Attack Craft (FAC) to face the new threat. Subsequently a craft similar to Dvora was developed & built at the Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka.

The LTTE sea wing could not match these FACs. The Sea Tigers had to come out with new tactics to counter the FAC threat. The answer was the suicide boats. And they used different tactics to lure and damage /destroy the SLN craft using suicide boats.

The Navy developed a new counter strategy to overcome the threat of high speed suicide boats. The Navy conceptualized the small boats, capable of travelling at high speeds. They were extremely maneuverable with a very strong fire power. Building a dvora /FAC takes a long period unlike fiber glass craft.

Supplies to Jaffna were along the Eastern coast and the LTTE Sea Tigers tried to interrupt these supplies many a time. They wanted to cut off supplies to Jaffna as 40,000 military troops were stationed in Jaffna. The Navy with extra vigilance however ensured uninterrupted supplies to the Jaffna Peninsula.

The other aspect was to stop military supplies coming in to the country. In the initial stage SLN destroyed eleven (11) trawlers which were bringing in arms supplies.

Another strategy by the LTTE was to choke the Trincomalee harbour in order to prevent naval vessels operating from Trincomalee.

Therefore the LTTE started gradually setting up their camps around the harbour. If they were able to choke the Trincomalee harbour they would have been able to cut off all the supplies to Jaffna Peninsula. The Navy understood this and countered their strategy very effectively.

Another plan of the LTTE was to attack the Port of Colombo using suicide crafts which if had materialized could have given a death blow not only to the war effort but also to the country's economy.

They made an attempt on July 27, 2007, with 03 suicide craft and SLN destroyed all 03 suicide craft of LTTE and saved the Colombo harbour. The LTTE also attempted to attack Galle and Kankesanthurai harbours by using suicide boats. All these attempts were foiled.

The Navy used the most modern equipment in and around the port including underwater detection systems to protect the harbours.

During the final phase of the battle Northern coastal belt was a possible escape route for the LTTE cadres to seek asylum in India. The Tiger cadres made many efforts but they were all negated by the Navy. They also rescued scores of civilians who were fleeing from LTTE clutches.

The Northeast sea belt was monitored by activating senses and radar systems set up in the sea shores in the last two months of the battle.

The Navy boats were fully equipped with arms; night vision and thermal cameras with which even a single movement of the LTTE could be detected. This made the LTTE lose their hopes of smuggling arms and taking the sea route to flee.

The naval troop's alertness, dedication and skill prevented any of the LTTE senior leaders from escaping.

The Sri Lanka Air Force

During the nearly three decades old separatist conflict, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has played a pivotal role in combating LTTE terrorists.

Especially during the latter stages (so-called Ealam war 1V), the SLAF has been instrumental in bringing down the Tigers will to fight, with precision targets on key LTTE locations and providing close logistic and offensive support for ground and naval operations.

Equipped with the latest technological innovations and coupled with a dedicated and skilled staff, the SLAF has been able to effectively provide the ground and naval operations that much needed support from the above.

As MIG 27 fighter jets zeroed in on strategic LTTE targets flying just 30 meters above ground and at a speed of 1000 kmph, terrified LTTE air gunners were heard saying(due to interception of Tiger radio communications) it is too fast for us.

As LTTE supremo V. Prabhakaran ran from one hideout to another and leaders such as Thamilselvan were eliminated with precision attacks, the stakes of the SLAF which had a humble beginning, primarily engaging in immigration patrol in 1971 shot to the skies as one of the topmost Air combative and ground support outfits in the region.

No:12 Fighter Squadron, established in year 2000 and later being equipped with MIG 27's in 2007, operated in both ground attack and close air support role. The squadron had 7 single seat MIG 27 fighter jets and one MIG 23, twin seat trainer aircraft.

MIG 27 does not have external fuel tanks and thus has the capability of carrying up to 4000 kg's (maximum limit) of bombs during combat operations. Also the jet has a sophisticated auto pilot system which helps it fly at very low altitudes at a high speed. The MIG-27 could fly just 20 metres above ground at a speed of 1000 kmph. This and the night sorties which the MIG 27's did had taken the enemy unawares causing them massive damage both to its manpower and material.

The attack on the hideout of LTTE political wing leader Thamil Selvan, which was also supported by Kfir's was a fine example of this ability.

In addition they also provided close support to ground and naval troops.

During the period MIG 27s were hit three times but on all occasions were able to land in Katunayake safely" due to the skill of the pilots. The MIG-27's during the operations helped to smash heavily fortified Muhumalai defences by engaging in a strategic move by encircling the Jaffna peninsula flying very low to smash enemy defences in support of ground troops, which finally paved way for the fall of long standing Tiger defences in the area.

Also another major operation was the attack on LTTE earth bunds in Chundikulam when the Army was stuck there for a while due to heavy enemy resistance.

The No.10 fighter squadron, established on January, 1996 and comprising Kfir jets, was tasked with providing offensive support for ground and maritime operations, air surveillance and interception. The Kfir, is a multi-role aircraft as it not only has air to ground attack capability but also possesses air to air attack capability.

The trademark of the squadron is its capability in taking high value enemy targets with pin point accuracy. The squadron also takes credit for taking out several strategic LTTE targets including LTTE naval crafts, engaging them with 100 per cent accuracy even close to Army's forward defence lines (FDL).

Many of these close air support missions numbering roughly 1375 had devastating effects on the enemy due to the accuracy of the Kfir. The bombing of the Tiger base of Bhanu, in Karadiyanaru, and the bombing of the Swarnam Base, north of Vakkarai and numerous hideouts of Prabhakaran has been credited to this unit.

Also on November 2, 2007, a Kfir took part in the mission to bomb the hideout of LTTE political wing leader S. P Thamilchelvam, causing the death of not only him but several other LTTE leaders as well.

In the latter stages, the Kfirs also engaged in night attacks giving the enemy no respite and also took part in destroying LTTE earth bunts, providing openings for ground troops to advance.

The No: 05 squadron was formed in 1991. Later F-7G's were acquired to be used as interceptors with the squadron taking on the air defence role.

October 2008 the SLAF claimed it first air-to-air kill, when it reported that one of the squadron's F-7G interceptors shot down a ZlÃn Z 143 of the LTTE air wing when it attempted to attack a military base in Vavuniya

The squadron played a big role in the eastern liberation engaging in air to ground attacks. But in the northern front its main duty was to provide an interceptor role with the emergence of the existence of several LTTE air crafts.

The No: 07 squadron consisting of Bell-212 helicopters too have been rending yeomen service during the battle against the LTTE as a transporter /rescue operator. Also the Bell-212 has being used in combat operations mainly in the initial stages with its side guns providing close support to ground troops.

The unit comprising six helicopters has engaged in thousands of rescuevacuation operations in addition to providing logistic supplies to ground troops.

The NO : 06 squadron was formed on March 15, 1993 at SLAF, Katunayake. With the arrival of Mi-17s, it was later moved to SLAF Vavuniya in April, 1993.

The Mi-17 is another helicopter that played a key role in transporting casualties, VIP's, troops and supplies. The Mi-17 played a very active role during the latter part of the conflict, transporting 500 tonnes of material Cargo and 36000 personnel, which includes around 6000 casualties.

Also the helicopters have been used to carry Army personnel from one place to another during combat operations.

No: 8 "Light Transport" Squadron operates the Harbin Y-12 from SLAF Ratmalana. Its roles include light transport, reconnaissance and pilot training for twin engine aircrafts.

No: 9 "Attack Helicopter" Squadron operates the air force's fleet of Attack Helicopters consisting of Mi-24s & Mi-35s from SLAF Hingurakgoda base. The squadrons specialty is providing close air support to ground troops by engaging the enemy in the immediate vicinity of ground troop FDL's.

The MI -24 also has massive destructive capabilities as it could carry 80 X 80 mm rockets at one given time along with its heavy caliber guns. Without the cargo of rockets it could carry bombs up to 1000 kg's. The squadron provided close air support to both ground and naval troops in addition to providing air cover to escort other helicopters on rescue missions.

Also the Squadron played a pivotal role supporting almost all ground operations, inflicting heavy casualties to the enemy. During offensives to take the rice bawl in Mannar, battle to take the giant tank area and attack on LTTE's well fortified Micheal Base the squadron lent valuable support to ground troops.

They engaged in more than 400 operations and came under enemy attack on 35 occasions. However, they did not lose a single craft during the 'humanitarian operation'.

The No: 2 "Heavy Transport" Squadron operated the C-130 Hercules and Antonov 32 from SLAF Ratmalana. They provided valuable support in helping ground troops.

The unit mainly engaged in transportation of men and material to the battle field during the entire duration of the nearly three decade old conflict.

Also one cannot forget the valuable support rendered by other sections of the Air force such as engineers, mechanics, ground troops etc. in taking Sri Lanka's wings in the skies, to such great heights.

The Sri Lanka Police

The Special Task Force of the Police played a pivotal role in conducting counter terrorist operations in Northern and Eastern theatres and securing the main Supply Routes in Ampara, BCO, Vavuniya and Kebbetigollewa in addition to providing security to the VVIPS.

The STF Troops earned the reputation of being battle-hardened, fearless fighters with the capacity to negate any internal threat.

During the push for Mavil Aru the STF which was mainly dominating the Ampara and Batticaloa Districts at that time received instructions to take over the areas dominated by the SLA and relieve them for the operation.

The STF successfully took over the security in Kalladi area, BCO town and also secured the Main Supply Route (MSR) from BCO to Mailambaveli in Eravur. In September 2006, the STF was asked to take over the Vavunativu and Bridge Camp SLA bases in BCO to relieve the SLA troops for their further commitments in Vaharai area. In January 2007, the SLA successfully liberated Mavilaru, Sampur and Vaharai areas from the LTTE.

The STF successfully launched Victory Assured operation in the jungles of Kanchikudichchi Aru in Ampara District on 04 January 2007 to destroy LTTE strongholds. Around 24 LTTE bases were destroyed by the STF troops liberating the entire Ampara District from the LTTE.

The combined Military campaign launched by the SLA and the STF continued till the fall of Thoppigala from the hands of LTTE in July 2007

Thousands of civilians who lived within the LTTE dominated areas continued to flee in to Government controlled areas with the progression of the military campaign. Automatically the STF was vested with the additional responsibility of assisting and overlooking the newly arrived Internally Displace Persons (IDP).

From May 14 2007, the STF commenced the re-settlement of IDPs in Vellavelli Divisional Secretariat Division with the assistance provided by the Government. At the end of the programme the STF commendably re-settled nearly 100,000 IDPs in four DS Divisions with success.

The STF continued to assist the SLA by accommodating and supporting them in number of ways which made the victory possible. By the end of April 2007, the combined military campaign of the SLA and the STF successfully cleared the entire Batticaloa Bowl area from the LTTE with a minimum damage to the Government forces.

From April 5, 2007, the STF was vested with the additional responsibility of taking over and dominating the newly cleared areas from the SLA. Three new STF Sectors were formed in the regions of Vellavelli, Kokkadicholai and Vavunativu. The STF Vellavelli Sector which consisted of bases such as Kakachchawatta, Batto-Junction, Thalawaya, Vellavelli, Paladiwatte and Porativu.

On 03-04-2009,the STF successfully launched an offensive to eliminate the terrorists in Yala area. Also in 2009, the STF took over the responsibility of securing the Welioya road from Omanthai in Vavuniya.

Later they took over the A 9 Road from Omanthai to Kanagarayankulam via Pulyankulama in February 2009, to assist the ongoing Military operation in North. The STF contribution made history, when the first Military convoy made its journey from Jaffna to Vavunia along A 9 road after 25 years on March 2, 2009.

The STF also made a significant presence along the Vavunia- Mannar road and Madhu road. The contribution made in Kebbitigolleawa area, securing the threatened Sinahala villages has to be mentioned.

The other Police officers other than STF too contributed immensely with much sacrifice. They were mainly engaged in assisting the civilians and providing protection to them and maintaining law and order.

Specially assigned Civil Security Committees established by the Police department also played a prominent part to maintain Law and Order in the respective Provinces.

The Civil Defence Force

The Civil Defence Force (CDF) being an auxiliary force to the Armed Forces had taken serious effort in protecting the lives and properties of people in the threatened villages during the course of humanitarian operations which began with the closure of sluice gates of Mavilaru anicut in 2006.

Since then, the CDF played a key role in removing the fear psychosis from the minds of people in such villages by providing maximum security to their dwellings and properties. The villagers showed reluctance to leave their homes and properties due to the security arrangement launched by the CDF in threatened villages.

The CDF with the strength of over 41,500 personnel made their contribution to all the fields of activities during the humanitarian operation that was launched to free the country from terrorism.

They were also tasked to protect the main supply routes to Forward Defence Lines, man checkpoints in collaboration with the Armed Forces and the Police and help people in times of natural disasters.

The threatened villages in the North and the East provinces experienced a number of ruthless terrorist's activities such as Kebettigollewa, Gonagala massacres which resulted in mass exodus of innocent civilians to the south. It is the Civil Defence Force that came to the rescue of these innocent civilians. They were able to convince these civilians to remain in the areas where they have lived for centuries and provided security to them.

All these Forces although described separately, fought as one to save the motherland and her people from the clutches of terrorism under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief President Mahinda Rajapaksa and under the guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. In doing so they made many sacrifices. All Sri Lankans and generations to be born would be in debt to them forever.