SEA TIGERS rammed an explosives-laden boat into a naval vessel off Pulmoddai in Trincomalee District on 19 October killing 12 sailors on board. In ensuing sea battles, two other naval craft were damaged and the Navy say ten Sea Tiger boats were sunk killing over 80.
Eight military camps in the Muthur area south of Trincomalee town were closed in mid-October to move troops to the Vanni war zone. The Tigers moved in and destroyed the camps. Sunday Times columnist Taraki says the LTTE which lost 390 sq mile territory in Jaffna have gained 1,275 sq miles in the east. The gain would effectively protect LTTE coastal supply lines to the Vanni but disrupt the Army supply route to Jaffna.
Shipping companies are reluctant to undertake services to Jaffna following LTTE attacks on ships at sea in the last two months. The Defence Ministry is currently considering introducing flights for refugees and others, from Trincomalee airbase.
Twenty eight fishermen were arrested in Trincomalee by the Navy in early October. Over 50 Tamil youths were detained by police on 29 October at Gunasinghapuram. Six others were taken into custody at Linganagar and Nilaveli in late October. During the month the Army imposed restrictions on food, medicine and fuel into Kinniya,west of Trincomalee town, to prevent them reaching LTTE-controlled areas .