SCORCHED EARTH STYLE ATTACK CRIPPLES THE LTTE

SUPPORTERS of the LTTE are firm believers in the almost mythical invincibility of brand name terrorist teams. While some of these have earned their place in history through combat proven expertise, most of the reputation is made up for them by a gullible Tamil population starved for entertainment. Imran Pandian and Charles Anthony teams are two of the highly considered troops of well trained and equipped marauders the LTTE and their supporter diaspora have built up their hopes around, to defend the claimed territories of a mono-ethnic tamil homeland.

That was until the realities of the 'Final War' declared by the LTTE came home to haunt them.

A myth sometimes can take time to die. In most cases however, the myth does not survice its first confrontation with the truth.

In a number of confrontations with Sri Lankan Defence Forces, both these combatants considered to possess invincible military prowess by the Tamil diaspora have died like flies. They have performed so poorly in some fights and have been completely routed by regular infantry of the SLA.

One particular such confrontation is made of the stuff of legends and happened when groups of Imran Pandians and Charles Anthony teams took on the SLA's 57th to feel the wrath of a 'Spetznaz' style counter-attack.

Here's the fascinating story from DefenceWire.blogspot.com

The LTTE's Charles Anthony and Imran Pandian units launched a massive attack on the 57 Division at Kalvilan, 2km southwest of the strategic town of Tunukkai on Tuesday. Around 500 cadres attempted to breach the SLA line established by advancing small groups.

Fighting started around 10am and continued will 8pm the same day (5). As the fighting raged on, Tigers attacking in full force with all their might seemed to be gaining some ground. The small groups on the ground were outnumbered but were still capable of withholding the thrust, although about 7 soldiers were killed in the process. One soldier went missing and his body was later captured by the LTTE.Just then ground Commanders made a bold decision.

They ordered for an attack using Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers. A hail of 80 rockets (two Tatra trucks) rained down on the LTTE. Immediately afterwards, all Tiger attacks ground to an abrupt halt.The Army believes around 80 Tigers perished in the entire assault. Around 30 bodies and other remains of bodies were observed by SLA units at the front. The fight was the largest concentrated assault mustered by the LTTE since the start of the war, only to be dismantled in a matter of minutes by two MBRL units.

The Army is hoping the Tigers launch at least a few more of these attacks in the coming weeks in and around Tunukai and Mallavi. The concentration of the LTTE's 'elite' units is very high in this area and the Army is eager to get at them given the first available opportunity.