LTTE is an acronym for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which was a separatist militant organization based in Sri Lanka. The LTTE was primarily composed of Sri Lankan Tamils and was established in 1976, with the aim of creating an independent state known as Tamil Eelam in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka. The organization aimed to fight for the rights and self-determination of the Tamil minority, who felt marginalized by the majority Sinhalese-dominated government.
The LTTE was widely recognized as one of the most formidable and ruthless militant groups in the world. They employed a wide range of tactics, including suicide bombings, guerrilla warfare, and assassinations to achieve their objectives. The group's leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, was revered and feared as a charismatic and determined figure, and he pursued a relentless campaign against the Sri Lankan government for over two decades.
Throughout its existence, the LTTE was involved in numerous armed clashes and terrorist activities, resulting in a significant loss of civilian lives on both sides. The Sri Lankan government, backed by international partners, conducted several military operations to counter the LTTE's insurgency. Ultimately, in 2009, the Sri Lankan military decisively defeated the LTTE, effectively ending their armed struggle.
While the LTTE's activities have been widely condemned, some segments of the Tamil diaspora continue to express support or sympathy towards their cause. The organization remains a controversial and complex part of Sri Lanka's history, with ongoing efforts to address the root causes and grievances that led to its formation.
