Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – The scenes of the civil war in Sri Lanka are particularly bloody, however the government claims that thanks to the successive victories of the regular army, the conflict is nearing its end, in which the Tamil rebels will be completely defeated. While the offensive of the troops continues, the number of refugees forced to abandon the war-torn areas increases.
The regular army of Colombo has occupied an important command center of the Tamil rebels, in the district of Mullaittivu, the only one still in the hands of the guerrillas of the “Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam.” In recent weeks, the rebels have had to abandon land, as a result of the national army, which since January 1 of this year has intensified its military operations.
According to local sources, the Sri Lankan security forces are preparing for the final battle: two divisions of Colombo's army (number 57 and 58) have been deployed near the city of Mullaittivu, on the eastern part of the island, home to the remaining members of the Tamil Tigers.
The soldiers have won a series of victories in the field, taking control of the Jaffna Peninsula, the Elephant Pass, and the political capital of the Tamil rebels, Kilinochchi. The final attack on Mullaittivu, according to military sources in Colombo, will begin in the next few days.
In the meantime, civilians continue to flee the area to avoid the conflict. In the area of Mullaittivu, there are nearly 300,000 people. Families, women, elderly, and children have been forced to leave their homes, hoping that the war will end. Providing aid to the refugees is difficult and risky, in spite of the organization of the government and the aid intervention from humanitarian organizations.
The Red Cross and Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) are among the most active in the area. International Director of JRS, Fr. Peter Balleis, SJ, said that the situation could lead to a “second Gaza” if no-fly zones are not established for the 300,000 civilians that could end up in the line of fire. Mentioning that the LTTE guerrillas impose a severe system of control and have blocked several roads for escape, the Director denounced the fact that the refugees do not have stable access to food, water, and medicine. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/1/2009)
