Two more task forces for Mullathivu battle

(January 13, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Sri Lanka Army plans to raise two more task forces to aid in Mullaithivu battle. Task Force 5 and Task Force 6 will be deployed in addition to 53, 55, 57, 58, 59 , TF2, TF3 and TF4 already deployed in the Wanni theater of battle. Meanwhile Task Force 1 has now officially been raised as the 58 division in recognition for its invaluable contribution in the Kilinochchi, Paranthan battles.

More than 50000 soldiers from 10 divisions/Task Forces are expected to join the assault on Mullathivu, the last major stronghold of the LTTE. Some of the formations will be tasked with holding onto captured territory while fully offensive divisions will lead the advance. The army does not want to spread too thin and run into a possible Jayasikuru type scenario again.

Meanwhile 48 bodies of LTTE cadres who were killed in battles in Mullathivu and Kilinochchi are still in Vavuniya hospital. The recent army advances on multiple fronts seems to have severely affected the LTTE’s organizational structure. No LTTE officials were to be seen since the removal of LTTE checkpoints in Omanthai and Oddusudan about two weeks ago. -DefenceNet - Sri Lanka Guardian