Sri Lanka launches attacks rebel-controlled areas

SRI LANKA’S military unleashed airstrikes and mortar attacks yesterday at areas controlled by Tamil Tiger insurgents, who said that 15,000 people had fled the second day of violence sparked by a suspected rebel suicide bombing.

European monitors said the violence was violating a four-year-old cease-fire.

A top military analyst said Sri Lanka could return to full-scale warfare if the government’s military operation expands and results in substantial rebel casualties.

“If the operation is limited to certain areas to frighten the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) and to keep them away, it might not escalate,” retired Air Marshal Harry Goonetilleke said.

“But if these operations are enlarged and kill a substantial number of rebel cadres or their sympathisers, then I think it will lead to full-scale hostilities.”

The rebels said at least 12 people in its territory had been killed in attacks launched on Tuesday in the first major military assault since the cease-fire.

The attacks escalated yesterday after the government said rebel mortar fire at targets, including a navy ship, had killed three civilians.

The government pledged continued action against the LTTE, which it held responsible after a suicide bombing by a woman pretending to be pregnant badly injured the government’s top military commander on Tuesday.

“There will be coordinated retaliation by the armed forces if the LTTE continues to attack,” government spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said.