Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09COLOMBO519
2009-05-12 11:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:
Northern Sri Lanka SitRep 70
how-toVZCZCXRO3865 OO RUEHBI DE RUEHLM #0519/01 1321134 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 121134Z MAY 09 FM AMEMBASSY COLOMBO ZDK RUEHTH #7380 1331453 TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9960 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 1175 RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 0251 RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 3821 RUEHKA/AMEMBASSY DHAKA 1655 RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 8657 RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 6892 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 4963 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 3021 RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO 4924 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 4030 RUEHCG/AMCONSUL CHENNAI 9283 RUEHBI/AMCONSUL MUMBAI 6590 RUEHON/AMCONSUL TORONTO 1131 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 3511 RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHMFIUU/CDRUSARPAC FT SHAFTER HI//APCW/APOP// RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI//J3/J332/J52//
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 000519
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA (BOUCHER),SCA/INS AND PRM
STATE ALSO PASS USAID
AID/W FOR ANE/SCA, DCHA/FFP (DWORKEN, KSHEIN)
AID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA (MORRISP, ACONVERY, RTHAYER, RKERR)
ATHENS FOR PCARTER
BANGKOK FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA (WBERGER)
KATHMANDU FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA AND POL (SBERRY)
GENEVA FOR RMA (NKYLOH, NHILGERT, MPITOTTI)
USUN NEW YORK FOR ECOSOC (D MERCADO)
SECDEF FOR OSD - POLICY
PACOM ALSO FOR J-5
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF MOPS PHUM PGOV PREL ASEC CE
SUBJECT: Northern Sri Lanka SitRep 70
REF: A) Colombo 514 B) Colombo 507 C) Colombo 501 D) Colombo 492 E)
Colombo 484 F) Colombo 477 G) Colombo 470 H) Colombo 469 I) Colombo
464 J) Colombo 459 K) Colombo 456 and previous
COLOMBO 00000519 001.2 OF 002
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 000519
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA (BOUCHER),SCA/INS AND PRM
STATE ALSO PASS USAID
AID/W FOR ANE/SCA, DCHA/FFP (DWORKEN, KSHEIN)
AID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA (MORRISP, ACONVERY, RTHAYER, RKERR)
ATHENS FOR PCARTER
BANGKOK FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA (WBERGER)
KATHMANDU FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA AND POL (SBERRY)
GENEVA FOR RMA (NKYLOH, NHILGERT, MPITOTTI)
USUN NEW YORK FOR ECOSOC (D MERCADO)
SECDEF FOR OSD - POLICY
PACOM ALSO FOR J-5
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF MOPS PHUM PGOV PREL ASEC CE
SUBJECT: Northern Sri Lanka SitRep 70
REF: A) Colombo 514 B) Colombo 507 C) Colombo 501 D) Colombo 492 E)
Colombo 484 F) Colombo 477 G) Colombo 470 H) Colombo 469 I) Colombo
464 J) Colombo 459 K) Colombo 456 and previous
COLOMBO 00000519 001.2 OF 002
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Army is now advancing on LTTE positions from
the south as well as the north of the conflict zone. Post received
reports of continued shelling and heavy fire in the conflict zone
through the morning of May 12. Senior Government officials
continued to refute reports of any recent shelling by Government
forces, blaming the LTTE for all civilian deaths. The ICRC made a
renewed attempt to deliver food and evacuate wounded civilians, but
was forced to turn back by active fighting at the landing point.
END SUMMARY.
ARMY ADVANCES TOWARD NEW SAFE ZONE
--------------
2. (SBU) A Sri Lankan Army contact reports that 59 Division moved
north last night, May 11, and captured 400 meters of the LTTE's
southern ditch-cum-bund. 53 and 58 Divisions advanced south about
250-300 meters. Elements of 58 Division have reportedly entered the
new civilian safe zone. This Army contact reported that
approximately 600 civilians escaped during daylight yesterday, May
11, but only 14-15 overnight. A Navy contact reported that Sea Tiger
patrols managed to stop some of the civilians attempting to escape
by boat. However, about 100 civilians successfully escaped by sea.
The Navy estimates Sea Tiger strength at no more than 300 cadres.
Since most Sea Tigers are fighting on land, this contact reports
that it is difficult to estimate LTTE casualties accurately.
3. (SBU) An Air Force contact said LTTE claims of as many as 3,200
civilian casualties is an exaggeration. While the SLAF did not
provide its own assessment, the contact said it was much less.
"CHAOTIC" SITUATION
--------------
4. (SBU) A UN source with contacts within the conflict zone reports
that the situation there has become "chaotic." The contacts report
that the push by the Sri Lankan Army begun on May 10 has continued
essentially uninterrupted. These sources indicate the full gamut of
heavy weaponry was used, and that the smaller "safe zone"
unilaterally declared by the GSL continued to come under attack
through the morning of May 12. According to this information, the
main Sri Lankan Army positions in the north of the conflict zone are
currently 1-2 kilometers from the edge of the newly declared "safe
zone." The Embassy source indicates the medical point is now
receiving small arms fire, making work for the staff increasingly
problematic. The medical point and staff reportedly can not move
any further south due to the congestion around Mullivaikal East.
Our UN contact reports that the number of casualties from ongoing
hostilities is difficult to calculate. According to a Government
doctor in the "safe zone," 378 bodies were brought to the medical
point by the afternoon of May 10 and a total of 480 by the afternoon
of May 11. However, according to our contact, based on the ratios
documented since Jan 20th, only a fraction of the dead are brought
to the medical facilities.
COLOMBO 00000519 002.2 OF 002
5. (SBU) UN Acting Resident Coordinator (protect) told Charge that
the number of killed a 48 hour period on May 9-10 was likely about
300-400. Government sources listed casualties at 100-200 without
distinguishing between LTTE cadres and non-combatants. Contacts in
the conflict zone report that the makeshift hospital was shelled
once more at 7.30 am on May 12, killing 45, including the medical
administrative officer, and injuring more than 80.
GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO DENY SHELLING
--------------
6. (SBU) In addition to his comments to Charge denying that
Government forces shelled the conflict zone on May 9 and 10 (Ref A),
Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe
held a press conference on May 11 in which he denied that Government
forces have been shelling. "We are a responsible government and we
do not kill our citizens and do not use heavy weapons or aerial
bombardment on areas where civilians were being held hostage by the
LTTE." Similarly, Defense Ministry Spokesman Brigadier Udaya
Nanayakkara insisted the army has not shelled in the conflict zone,
insisting that the LTTE was pinning the blame on the Government for
civilians the LTTE had gunned down during escape attempts. Defense
Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa also refuted the accusations, claiming
the LTTE shot mortar fire at fleeing civilians. The
Government-owned paper Daily News printed intercepts of LTTE
communications it ascribed to LTTE commanders, including orders to
stop fleeing civilians: "Try to stop as much as you can till I send
reinforcements."
ICRC FERRY UPDATE
--------------
7. (SBU) On May 11, the ICRC ferry "Green Ocean" transported 27 MT
of food into the conflict zone. On May 12, an ICRC ferry carrying
25 MT of food (no medical supplies) arrived and anchored offshore,
but did not receive clearance from either side to upload injured
patients, and was forced to return to Pulmoddai. Reportedly there
were no medical supplies on board.ICRC head of delegation (strictly
protect) Castella told Charge he would attempt to contact senior GSL
officials to secure guarantees for a renewed attempt on May 13.
Charge offered to help by calling GSL officials, if needed.
UN SPOKESMAN COMMENTS QUESTIONED
--------------
8. (SBU) The nationalist daily "The Island" reported that Disaster
Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe confirmed
that UN spokesman in Colombo Gordon Weiss would be summoned to the
Foreign Ministry to explain his May 10 comments to the Associated
Press about an ongoing "bloodbath" in the conflict zone.
Samarasinghe reportedly said, "It is not the first time the Weiss
has gone beyond his mandate and made adverse remarks about the
internal strife in the country. We have every right to deal with
him."
MOORE
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA (BOUCHER),SCA/INS AND PRM
STATE ALSO PASS USAID
AID/W FOR ANE/SCA, DCHA/FFP (DWORKEN, KSHEIN)
AID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA (MORRISP, ACONVERY, RTHAYER, RKERR)
ATHENS FOR PCARTER
BANGKOK FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA (WBERGER)
KATHMANDU FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA AND POL (SBERRY)
GENEVA FOR RMA (NKYLOH, NHILGERT, MPITOTTI)
USUN NEW YORK FOR ECOSOC (D MERCADO)
SECDEF FOR OSD - POLICY
PACOM ALSO FOR J-5
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF MOPS PHUM PGOV PREL ASEC CE
SUBJECT: Northern Sri Lanka SitRep 70
REF: A) Colombo 514 B) Colombo 507 C) Colombo 501 D) Colombo 492 E)
Colombo 484 F) Colombo 477 G) Colombo 470 H) Colombo 469 I) Colombo
464 J) Colombo 459 K) Colombo 456 and previous
COLOMBO 00000519 001.2 OF 002
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Army is now advancing on LTTE positions from
the south as well as the north of the conflict zone. Post received
reports of continued shelling and heavy fire in the conflict zone
through the morning of May 12. Senior Government officials
continued to refute reports of any recent shelling by Government
forces, blaming the LTTE for all civilian deaths. The ICRC made a
renewed attempt to deliver food and evacuate wounded civilians, but
was forced to turn back by active fighting at the landing point.
END SUMMARY.
ARMY ADVANCES TOWARD NEW SAFE ZONE
--------------
2. (SBU) A Sri Lankan Army contact reports that 59 Division moved
north last night, May 11, and captured 400 meters of the LTTE's
southern ditch-cum-bund. 53 and 58 Divisions advanced south about
250-300 meters. Elements of 58 Division have reportedly entered the
new civilian safe zone. This Army contact reported that
approximately 600 civilians escaped during daylight yesterday, May
11, but only 14-15 overnight. A Navy contact reported that Sea Tiger
patrols managed to stop some of the civilians attempting to escape
by boat. However, about 100 civilians successfully escaped by sea.
The Navy estimates Sea Tiger strength at no more than 300 cadres.
Since most Sea Tigers are fighting on land, this contact reports
that it is difficult to estimate LTTE casualties accurately.
3. (SBU) An Air Force contact said LTTE claims of as many as 3,200
civilian casualties is an exaggeration. While the SLAF did not
provide its own assessment, the contact said it was much less.
"CHAOTIC" SITUATION
--------------
4. (SBU) A UN source with contacts within the conflict zone reports
that the situation there has become "chaotic." The contacts report
that the push by the Sri Lankan Army begun on May 10 has continued
essentially uninterrupted. These sources indicate the full gamut of
heavy weaponry was used, and that the smaller "safe zone"
unilaterally declared by the GSL continued to come under attack
through the morning of May 12. According to this information, the
main Sri Lankan Army positions in the north of the conflict zone are
currently 1-2 kilometers from the edge of the newly declared "safe
zone." The Embassy source indicates the medical point is now
receiving small arms fire, making work for the staff increasingly
problematic. The medical point and staff reportedly can not move
any further south due to the congestion around Mullivaikal East.
Our UN contact reports that the number of casualties from ongoing
hostilities is difficult to calculate. According to a Government
doctor in the "safe zone," 378 bodies were brought to the medical
point by the afternoon of May 10 and a total of 480 by the afternoon
of May 11. However, according to our contact, based on the ratios
documented since Jan 20th, only a fraction of the dead are brought
to the medical facilities.
COLOMBO 00000519 002.2 OF 002
5. (SBU) UN Acting Resident Coordinator (protect) told Charge that
the number of killed a 48 hour period on May 9-10 was likely about
300-400. Government sources listed casualties at 100-200 without
distinguishing between LTTE cadres and non-combatants. Contacts in
the conflict zone report that the makeshift hospital was shelled
once more at 7.30 am on May 12, killing 45, including the medical
administrative officer, and injuring more than 80.
GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO DENY SHELLING
--------------
6. (SBU) In addition to his comments to Charge denying that
Government forces shelled the conflict zone on May 9 and 10 (Ref A),
Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe
held a press conference on May 11 in which he denied that Government
forces have been shelling. "We are a responsible government and we
do not kill our citizens and do not use heavy weapons or aerial
bombardment on areas where civilians were being held hostage by the
LTTE." Similarly, Defense Ministry Spokesman Brigadier Udaya
Nanayakkara insisted the army has not shelled in the conflict zone,
insisting that the LTTE was pinning the blame on the Government for
civilians the LTTE had gunned down during escape attempts. Defense
Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa also refuted the accusations, claiming
the LTTE shot mortar fire at fleeing civilians. The
Government-owned paper Daily News printed intercepts of LTTE
communications it ascribed to LTTE commanders, including orders to
stop fleeing civilians: "Try to stop as much as you can till I send
reinforcements."
ICRC FERRY UPDATE
--------------
7. (SBU) On May 11, the ICRC ferry "Green Ocean" transported 27 MT
of food into the conflict zone. On May 12, an ICRC ferry carrying
25 MT of food (no medical supplies) arrived and anchored offshore,
but did not receive clearance from either side to upload injured
patients, and was forced to return to Pulmoddai. Reportedly there
were no medical supplies on board.ICRC head of delegation (strictly
protect) Castella told Charge he would attempt to contact senior GSL
officials to secure guarantees for a renewed attempt on May 13.
Charge offered to help by calling GSL officials, if needed.
UN SPOKESMAN COMMENTS QUESTIONED
--------------
8. (SBU) The nationalist daily "The Island" reported that Disaster
Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe confirmed
that UN spokesman in Colombo Gordon Weiss would be summoned to the
Foreign Ministry to explain his May 10 comments to the Associated
Press about an ongoing "bloodbath" in the conflict zone.
Samarasinghe reportedly said, "It is not the first time the Weiss
has gone beyond his mandate and made adverse remarks about the
internal strife in the country. We have every right to deal with
him."
MOORE