Eelam War III saw the LTTE gain control of nearly 30% of Sri Lanka, capturing key districts and major military bases between 1995 and 2002.
Key Facts
- Start of hostilities
- 19 April 1995
- Duration
- 1995–2002
- LTTE territorial control
- ~30% of Sri Lanka by war's end
- Naval incident
- SLNS Sooraya and Ranasuru destroyed by Sea Tigers
- Key bases captured
- Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Elephant Pass
- Notable LTTE weapon
- Stinger shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missile
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A 100-day ceasefire between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE collapsed in April 1995. The LTTE's Sea Tigers initiated renewed hostilities by planting explosives on two Sri Lankan Navy gunboats, SLNS Sooraya and Ranasuru, destroying both vessels and signalling the end of the peace process that had briefly paused the civil war.
Eelam War III was the third phase of the Sri Lankan civil war, fought between the Sri Lankan military and the LTTE from 1995 to 2002. The LTTE deployed new tactics including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, downing two Sri Lankan Air Force AVRO aircraft over the Jaffna peninsula. Major LTTE offensives resulted in the capture of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and the strategically vital Elephant Pass military base.
By the end of Eelam War III, the LTTE controlled approximately 30% of Sri Lanka's territory. With Elephant Pass secured and the path to the Muhumalai and Nagarkovil front lines open, the LTTE launched Operation Unceasing Waves IV in a bid to seize the Jaffna peninsula, significantly expanding its de facto state in the north and east of the island.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent