The Context of the 1987 Great Offensive
In 1987, the conflict in Sri Lanka intensified, particularly in the northern regions like Jaffna, where the Tamil minority was engaged in an armed struggle against the Sinhalese-dominated government. The **Tamil Tigers**, officially known as the **Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)**, demanded an independent Tamil state, escalating tensions and violence in the region.
The LTTE’s Growing Influence
By this time, the LTTE became a formidable force, challenging the Sri Lankan military and gaining significant territorial control. Their guerrilla warfare tactics, including the use of suicide bombings and assassination techniques, enabled them to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, which prompted the Sri Lankan government to adopt more aggressive military strategies to regain control over the region.
The Role of International Dynamics
International factors significantly influenced the conflict; during this period, the **Indian government**, concerned about the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka and the influence of the LTTE, intervened by providing military assistance to Sri Lankan government troops. This involvement highlighted the complexity of the conflict, intertwining local grievances with regional politics.
Operation Liberation: The Offensive Begins
The government's **operation dubbed 'Operation Liberation'** commenced in July 1987, with the primary objective of capturing Jaffna, a critical stronghold of the LTTE. The operation saw a massive deployment of Sri Lankan troops to overwhelm the rebel forces entrenched in the region.
Implementation of Military Tactics
The Sri Lankan forces utilized a combination of aerial bombardments and ground assaults. This robust approach intended to dismantle the LTTE's command structure and combat capabilities. However, the toll of the offensive was devastating; countless civilians were caught in the crossfire, resulting in extensive casualties and displacements that further complicated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Aftermath and International Reaction
As the military campaign unfolded, it generated international condemnation due to the humanitarian impact on civilians. Reports of human rights violations emerged as the offensive intensified. Despite the heavy military pressure, the **LTTE** demonstrated resilience, continuing their operations for years, which contributed to the prolongation of the civil war in Sri Lanka.
Fun Fact
Global Attention on the Sri Lankan Civil War
The military strategies and political maneuvers during the 1987 offensive attracted significant media coverage, bringing international awareness to the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka, and leading to discussions regarding peace interventions and resolutions in the years that followed.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on the Sri Lankan Civil War
For those who wish to dive deeper into the **Sri Lankan Civil War**, consider reading **'Sri Lanka: The Deceivers'** by **Shiv Shankar Menon** and **'The Tragedy of Tamil Eelam'** by **V. Veerabhadran**. These books provide extensive insights into the historical context of the conflict, shedding light on the complexities surrounding it.
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