Spectre of Mass Suicide as Tamil Tigers Face Final Battle

Facing the crushing defeat of their 26-year insurgency as Sri Lankan military closes in on the last sliver of territory under their control, the embattled separatist fighters of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are not expected to allow themselves to be taken alive. "LTTE terrorists are preparing for a mass suicide after being effectively cut-off of escape routes, both land and sea and now encircled in a mere 3.5 square kilometer [1.4 square miles] of land west of Vellamullivaikkal," the Defence Ministry said on Saturday, citing intercepted communications. "According to defence observers, the LTTE senior ranks are expecting to prolong its imminent defeat resorting to such futile terror tactics using civilian hostages, new recruits and black tigers [suicide cadres] as weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)."

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As their insurgency's end appeared to draw near, the Tigers once appealed for international intervention. "Our people are now at the mercy of the international community and it has to take full responsibility for the future of our people," Selvarasa Pathmanathan, the head of the LTTE's international department said in statement on Saturday. "Encouraged by the hopeful words of President [Barack] Obama, the LTTE is again stating its categorical position to enter a political process facilitated by neutral international parties and find a meaningful solution to the ethnic crisis," he said, referring to the U.S. President's call earlier this week for an end to the fighting that has imperiled tens of thousands of civilians. "An onslaught by the Government will only result in thousands more dying and will not pave a way for a dignified and respectful outcome," he continued. "We are ready to cooperate and work towards peace as Mr Obama has insisted." But the two sides have talked before, and with the military now within hours of destroying the long running insurgency that has cost tens of thousands of lives, the government is unlikely to take up the LTTE's latest offer of dialogue.

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