Civilian Casualties Mount amid LTTE loses

While the Sri Lanka military has reported that it has captured vast areas that used to be under the LTTE control, the LTTE says the offensive has resulted in civilian casualties. Unconfirmed reports say the LTTE is seeking international assistance to help stop the offensive that has now reached the northern district of Killinochchi which is the center of LTTE operations and the presumptive residence of its reclusive leader, Prabhakaran. The military, however, has denied targeting civilians and has appealed to the LTTE to avoid using civilians as human shields. The military has also said the LTTE is attempting to slow down the military offensive and even negotiate a ceasefire given the recent advancement of the military. In another unconfirmed report, the LTTE has appealed to the UN to negotiate a cessation of hostilities.