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| Sunday, 1 January 2006 |
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Operation 'Search & Detect' : Beware of LTTE mines! Lt.Col. Susantha Seneviratne, RWP, RSP, Psc, Msc(def)-retd
One of the 'lethal' destructive agents used by the LTTE against the military during the past two decades was that of 'improvised explosive devices' (IEDs). Over 50% of the casualties those of 'killed in action' (KIA) and 'wounded in action' (WIA) were, due to these IEDs. The LTTE used them in varying tactical situations; coupling with 'ambushes' where possible and as a deterrent 'modus operandi' against troops on 'offensive' operations. Some of these devices are capable of causing heavy casualties, particularly on troops on 'mobile'/ 'foot' patrols. According to theory of 'counter revolutionary warfare', a guerilla campaign can be divided into four progressive 'phases' of evolution. The LTTE, during these phases introduced different types of IEDs, depending on their 'strategy' and 'tactics'. These phases are: Preparatory phase (1972 - 1981) - No military action: Resistance phase (1983 - 1985) - Land mine warfare; Active resistance phase (1986 - 1990 including the 'IPKF' period) - 'Claymore' mine warfare and 'Booby traps'; Open Offensive (1991 - 1994) - 'Jony mines' (this is an anti-personnel mine used to blow off 'foot' of infantryman) and anti-tank mines (used to immobilize tanks, armoured personnel carriers {APC}, etc). The 'specialty' in all these introductions was that all these IEDs had been manufactured by the LTTE, themselves. However, exploiting 'suitable' ground conditions for burying, camouflaging, aiming, and activating these land/claymore mines is an essential requisite. 'picketing'
Land/Claymore/Anti-tank mines had taken lives of a number of senior military officers, such as Brig. Ariyapperuma - Northern commander in 1984, Maj Gen Wijeratne - commander 'Trinco' sector in 1990, Lt. Gen Kobbekaduwa, Maj Gen Wimalaratne and their entourage in 1992, Maj Gen Angammana - Brigade commander, East in 1995, and so on. Most of these deaths have occurred amidst / despite road 'picketing' (security) done by troops. The LTTE have been using these mines, relentlessly till now; but it is rather unfortunate that troops on 'picketing' have still not been able to 'search and detect' these IEDs 'successfully'. The LTTE are reported to be using these IEDs under the present 'cold war' scenario as well because; this method does not leave room for any 'confrontations'. While political efforts are under way, the military must endeavour to minimize their casualties, which the LTTE are striving to cause by using these IEDs. The military needs to form a 'research and analysis' wing, which was a 'longstanding' need; to study and recommend various tactics/techniques involving in detecting these mines. Because; none can be activated without exploiting suitable ground conditions. So, what the military has to do is to identify possible grounds for 'search and detect' operations. Defusing At the same time, a sound knowledge of various 'deceptive tactics' used by the LTTE, is a must. In the military, training is conducted on various 'counter drills' for situations, such as 'ambush'; although 'chances' to survive are limited, in view of 'firepower' (a 'principle' of ambush) used by the adversary. Yet, those drills are, however important for 'survivors' to react; but what is more important is the training on drills, tactics, etc to 'avoid', 'detect' and 'defuse' such situations rather than being caught and fight thus losing initiatives. This is a 'shortcoming' in all the military forces in the world today; and that is why they sustain heavy losses due to IEDs in 'low intensity conflict' (LICO) environments. For this, 'tactical ability' is essential for detection while technical capability is required for defusing. Today, these IEDs have been, so improved that even the armour plating of tanks, APCs, etc that of 4 inch-thickness can be pierced by what the US military called 'explosive projectile'; This has, already been used by the insurgents in Iraq; alarming a 'serious threat' to military forces worldwide. Therefore; 'detection' is the best remedy; it not only saves lives - but also helps overcome various 'threats' posed by IEDs. |
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