Tamil Tigers ignored Sri Lankan government threats produced yesterday that required that they surrender in 24 hours. A “no-fire-zone” has been used by rebels to shield themselves from government forces. Civilians are attempting to leave the zone to avoid fighting and estimates put the number remaining at about 60,000.
The Sri Lankan government has given the Tamil Tigers 24 hours to lay down their arms. The government will begin its assault on Tuesday if the Tigers do not give up. Many Tigers wear cyanide tablets around their necks and promise to kill themselves if they look like they are to be captured. The Tigers are the first non-religious terrorist organization to have deployed suicide bombers. Some have reported that up to 5,000 civilians may have been killed by Sri Lankan shelling since January.
Supporters of a ceasefire between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels have protested heavily in London. They call on the UK government to help foment a peace-agreement. The Sri Lankan government says that it has no interest in stopping its successful offensive against the Tigers, as that would give them a chance to regroup.