The final thrust of the Government's military offensive to deny Tiger guerrillas any domination of territory begins next week in their remaining stronghold of Mullaitivu.
This follows the Army's re-capture on Friday of Elephant Pass, described as the gateway to the Jaffna peninsula and thus securing the entirety of the A-9 Kandy-Jaffna highway. Troops are now consolidating their positions along this highway. Thereafter, troop movements and supplies to the peninsula, now sent by sea and air, will be moved by road. The movement of civilian transport services is to follow.
Troops have laid siege on Mullativu from all directions. On the north-eastern coast the Navy has placed a tight cordon, a security source told The Sunday Times. Unlike in previous thrusts, the troops are moving with great caution to avoid civilian casualties, the source added.
An estimated 400,000 or more civilians are said to be in the Mullaitivu area. Besides the indigenous population, around 250,000 are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have fled to guerrilla controlled areas from western Wanni.
The past week has seen the Air Force stepping up attacks on guerrilla targets.
Airstrip captured
Troops advancing into the last of the LTTE-held areas in the Wanni yesterday captured a vital LTTE possession, an airstrip, five kilometres west of the Mullaitivu lagoon.
The airstrip, 2.5 kilometres long and 100 metres wide and containing two hangars, was taken over by troops of 58 Division.
This is the fourth LTTE airstrip to be captured by the security forces since offensives began nearly two years ago, according to the military. | 
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