The LTTE's capture of the Mullaitivu base in 1996 was one of the largest single defeats of the Sri Lankan military during the civil war.
Key Facts
- Battle start date
- 18 July 1996
- Battle end date
- 25 July 1996
- Sri Lankan troops killed/MIA
- ~1,500 personnel
- LTTE fighters killed
- 315 fighters
- LTTE operation codename
- Operation Unceasing Waves-1
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Sri Lankan military maintained an understrength infantry brigade at its Mullaitivu base in north-eastern Sri Lanka during the ongoing civil war. The LTTE, seeking to expand territorial control, launched a large-scale assault codenamed Operation Unceasing Waves-1 to overwhelm and capture the installation.
On 18 July 1996, LTTE forces overran the Mullaitivu military base. A combined relief operation involving all three Sri Lankan armed services was launched but failed to rescue the brigade, which had been completely destroyed before relief forces arrived. Fighting continued until 25 July 1996.
The Sri Lankan military abandoned both the town of Mullaitivu and much of Mullaitivu District to the LTTE. Approximately 1,500 troops were killed or listed as missing, and large quantities of military equipment were captured by the LTTE, representing a significant territorial and material loss for the government.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent