Non-Subscriber Extract
Battles highlight Sea Tigers' capabilities
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| 29 September 2006 |
By Iqbal Athas JDW Correspondent
Colombo
The recent flare-up of fighting between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has resulted in the secessionist rebels suffering significant setbacks among ground forces, but their naval arm remains a potent threat.
Both sides claimed success in a sea battle in late September, with outside observers unable to confirm either view.
Earlier in September Sri Lankan air and naval forces sank an LTTE ship heavily loaded with ammunition and other hardware 6.4 km off the country's northern coast. The action followed a tip-off from the intelligence agency of a "neighbouring country", presumably India, that an unidentified cargo vessel was transferring military hardware to smaller craft.
These recent incidents underscore the capabilities retained by the Sea Tigers, who can engage the Sri Lankan Navy at sea for prolonged periods with considerable firepower.
Intelligence estimates suggest that Sea Tiger strength is around 2,000 personnel, with a further 100-200 suicide cadres in the Black Sea Tigers. The latter are tasked to ram speedboats, heavily laden with explosives, into enemy naval vessels.
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© 2006 Jane's Information Group
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