Air Strikes:

Terrorism Unlimited

by Clarence Welikala, MII,Sec. Lond., FISF, Security Manager (Retired), Unilever Ceylon Limited

The recent events bringing to bear the escalation of terrorism in Sri Lanka could veritably be depicted in speech or writing as "Terrorism Unlimited". This description could be quantified especially after the Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam demonstrated its air capability recently in no uncertain terms.

Even now, there is no information ensuing from any intelligence source, be it local or foreign, that this terrorist organisation is in possession of either highly advanced fighter jets, which could be termed as "state of the art fighters", how/when had these aircraft been acquired, and the possibility of this group acquiring more sophisticated aircraft in the future.

World War 2

The Second World War was a worldwide conflict which lasted from 1939 to 1945. This war was the amalgamation of two conflicts, one starting in Asia known as the second Sino-Japanese War, later involving the United States with the attack on Pearl Harbour, and the other beginning in Europe with the invasion of Poland, followed by an all out attack also by Germany on the Soviet Union in June 1941, opening up the largest theatre of war in human history.

This global conflict split a majority of the world's nations into two opposing camps viz. the Allies and Axis. Spanning much of the globe the Second World War resulted in the deaths of over 60 million people, making it the deadliest conflict in human history.

Paradoxically, while this War was probably the worst conflict in European History, it has led to a desire for unification in order to avoid further/future conflicts, which has transformed the difficult process of reconstruction into an unprecedented opportunity for prosperity.

In modern times, the experience in Sri Lanka, however, is that the conflict has been going on for over two decades, with an end to the catastrophe not in sight, and with thousands dead, the loss of some peripheral territory and economic hardships ever mounting.

Ideally, the Government should follow a policy of appeasement in order to contain hostilities, purely out of concern for perceived ' war - weariness' of our population and due to the huge death tolls.

Funding the War

Consequent to the recent air attacks by the LTTE, it will mean that the Government will be required to invest heavily via setting up an effective air defence system. This will, to a great degree, involve in the purchase of sophisticated aircraft capable of engaging/countering LTTE attacks.

The recent air strikes by the LTTE targeting the Sri Lanka Air Force Base at Katunayake located adjoining the Katunayake International Airport, and locations in Colombo has created a fear-psychosis among many. As a result, the escalating violence in the country is compounded by the LTTE's recently acquired air power.

One cannot discount the fact that the Tiger air strikes have definitely had a debilitating effect on the country's economy. Further attacks will result in the nation's economy nose-diving and hyperinflation taking control.

It is viewed with interest what measures will be effected to renew and revamp security systems, and that they be introduced meaningfully to overcome such situations and thwart, if not, avert any future air raids/attacks.

We should also think seriously to create the much needed awareness of training contingency planning to all categories of persons in Sri Lanka, so that they may be able to face up to situations of 'Terrorists air attacks' in the future.

It was the late Sir Oliver Goonetilleke who was then the Commissioner for Civil Defence during the Second World War who established the Air Raid Precaution Headquarters in Colombo and made certain that everybody was trained to cope up with this type of warfare. Even in the schools, air raid practices, drills was a must.

Practice drills together with the sirens installed in the police stations conducted regular drills for the public, thus creating the much needed awareness.

Air attacks

Unlike the United State Air force which began the first daylight bombing of Germany, the LTTE conducted their attacks by night.

It must be accepted that daylight attacks are far more precise for purposes of targeting, but exposes bombers to more danger than night attacks. So, it would mean that the LTTE adopted their modus operandi eliminating exposure and orchestrating their effort in such a manner to enforce the element of surprise.

Of course, the LTTE air attacks could be described as "terror raids" thereby creating a sense of annihilation. The dense living conditions around production centres and the many wooden residential constructions could contribute to large losses of life.

Also, of ports, airports and major water installations and water waste are not properly safeguarded, serious disruptions to the island nation could take place. Due to these recent developments, the eyes of the world are upon us.

The hopes, aspirations and prayers of "liberty-loving' people everywhere are with us. Our brother-in-arms, through their valiant and dedicated efforts, sacrificing life and limb to defend our country are instilled with the hope of eliminating the tyranny prevalent with the air of security and freedom for all Sri Lankans. Unlike moving in an open country side, it is difficult to destroy the LTTE's camouflaged defensive positions.

It will be worthwhile, for the Security Forces to indulge in "Professional information gathering" with an initial strategic objective to draw in enemy reserves via the intelligence units of the armed forces and thereby, protect ground, naval and airborne troops so as to promote a later turning movement both Northward and Eastward.

The Sri Lanka Air Force could use their reconnaissance and ground attack aircraft to accomplish their mission. It will be fair to assess that the on-going conflict has reached a stalemate with both sides making minimal gains. So, it is time to, with the introduction of air strikes by the LTTE, to bolster the Sri Lanka Air Force by upgrading their air defence systems.

To be continued.