LTTE is making preparations for a large-scale attack on Sri Lankan military detachments, according to several informed sources in the Vanni.

The Tigers have stepped up their recruitment drive in Vanni and several LTTE units are undergoing extensive training in various areas of Vanni for this upcoming operation. According to the information available, LTTE leader is planning to stage simultaneous attacks on the military detachments from air, sea and land. Former Batticaloa commander Bhanu has been entrusted with ground operations while, Col. Nagulan is supposedly in charge of naval operations. Interestingly the LTTE leaders son Charles Antony is reported to be deeply involved in the planning of air operations for this massive operation. About 300 cadres, most of them recently conscripted children, are undergoing training in Mallavi for the initial frontal attacks on the FDL’s.

LTTE has also moved their artillery unit named Pandyan unit to Thunukkai area in anticipation of the operation.

During the last few weeks LTTE aircraft have been observed flying along the Iraniativu coast at very low altitudes. Several sea tiger boats were also seen along this island, located 15 miles north of Mannar. Sea Tigers maintain a large base in Nachchikudah. Incidentally it was from this same location that the LTTE shot down a Lion Air aircraft, killing all 55 people on board in 1998. In the last two weeks, Sea tigers have warned fishermen in Nachchikudah area to stay away from the area around Iranitivu.

LTTE leaders plan, according to some sources within the LTTE, is to introduce his son, Charles Antony as the key military planner and strategist for the movement, if the massive operation succeeds. LTTE's air wing is reportedly under the direction of a man identified as Kennedy. LTTE leader's son, Charles Antony, is reportedly trained in aviation engineering in Europe, and is currently a key figure in the LTTE's air wing.

In the last two weeks, LTTE and TNA politicians have emphasized the need for the LTTE to demonstrate its military powers. On Tuesday, TNA MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam was quoted in TamilNet as saying that "Sri Lanka will not pursue a political solution until it finds itself unable to prosecute a military solution, and the only option open for peace is for the LTTE to demonstrate that Colombo's military agenda will not succeed".

The current line of thinking within the LTTE was further confirmed by the LTTE political head Tamilselvan who in recent days stated that the "Balance of power is imperative for finding the solution"

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