Israel mobilizes navy units off Gaza coast

Israel's three Dolphin Class submarines were designed by Ingenieurkontor Lubeck Prof Gabler Nachf GmbH (IKL), a subsidiary of Howaldtswerke-Deutche Werft AG (HDW) based in Lubeck, Germany. (photo @naval-technology)

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:32:19 GMT -- Israel has reportedly mobilized its navy units near the Gaza Strip amid speculations that a ground offensive is imminent.

Witnesses reported the presence of an Israeli warship and a submarine off the coast of Gaza on Saturday.

During the last week, Israeli gunboats have been joining warplanes in pounding targets across the populated area.

More than a hundred houses have been demolished since the beginning of the Israeli operation against the region.

The report came while Hamas says it has repelled an Israeli patrol near the Gaza border amid reports that Israeli navy units are approaching the costal enclave.

The military wing of Hamas announced the incident in a statement saying the patrol was attempting to enter the Gaza Strip.

A spokesman said that no Israeli soldiers had crossed into Gaza since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead on December 27.

On Saturday Abu Zakariya al-Jamal, a senior Hamas commander, was died of wounds sustained in an Israeli overnight raid on his residence.

Palestinians responded with a barrage of rockets against Israeli targets including Israel's second largest port city, Ashkelon.

Israeli attacks have so far left more than 440 killed and over 2,280 wounded in the Gaza Strip.

The UN says at least 25 percent of the victims of Israel's military attack have been civilians.

Rights groups, however, put the figure at almost 40 percent.

Hamas has warned Israel against any ground offensive signaling that the second phase of Operation Cast Lead which could be a ground offensive would not be an easy task. (SB/DA @PRESS TV)

Israel's 2nd largest port under rocket fire

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:02:18 GMT -- Hamas rockets have hit the second largest Israeli port in the south as Tel Aviv continues its nonstop aerial raids on the Gaza Strip.

At least 10 rockets were fired into the southern Israel earlier Saturday, one of them hitting a four-story building in Ashdod--Israel's second largest port--which is located more than 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the border of the Gaza Strip.

Two people were lightly wounded, but immediately being treated at the site, the Magen David Adom medical rescue service reported.

Another rocket hit a house in the Israeli town of Ashkelon, 13 kilometers (eight miles) north of Gaza. The attack however has left no casualties.

At least 500 rockets and mortar rounds have been fired into Israel since Tel Aviv started an 'all-out war' against the coastal enclave last Saturday.

The rocket attacks have so far left four people killed and some others wounded.

The eight-day-long Israeli offensive killed over 439 people and wounded 2,280 others in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier in the day, Israeli warplanes struck several targets, including a school in the strip, killing at least four people.

The commander of Hamas's armed wing, Mohammad al-Jamal was also killed during the Saturday blitz. (SB/RA @PRESS TV)

Rosoboronexport To Develop New Models of Kalashnikov Rifles

02.01.2009 -- Anatoli Isaikin, the Director General of the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, met recently with the creator of the Kalashnikov rifles, the head of the Izhmash Company, Mikhail Kalashnikov. The meeting’s objective was to look into developing a new generation of AK-100 series rifles.

The rifles in this series share a number of innovations that were introduced to the models AK-47, AK-74 and later. Like the AK-47, AK-100 models operate on the explosion of gas produced by the firing of ammunition. The gases eject the used cartridge and insert new ammunition into the chamber.

The models AK-101 and AK-103. AK-101 already use the standard NATO 5.56 mm caliber. AK-103 - Size: 7.62mm. Kalashnikov is a milestone in terms of small arms, especially because of its recognized and insurmountable resistance to all kinds of abuse by users even today. In other words, they are the best in the world. Besides this much appreciated characteristic, the weapon is also easy to maintain and use. @Pravda.ru

P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft Homebasing Announced

P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) (Photo @Boeing)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy announced Jan. 2 its decision to provide facilities and functions to base five fleet squadrons of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) with a fleet replacement squadron (FRS) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla., four fleet squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., and three fleet squadrons at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, with periodic squadron detachment operations at NAS North Island.

This decision implements the preferred homebasing alternative 5 identified in the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the Introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Aircraft into the U.S. Navy Fleet (published November 2008).

Introduction of the P-8A MMA squadrons is projected to begin no later than 2012 and be completed by 2019.

This action is needed to transition from existing P-3C aircraft to the P-8A MMA while maintaining the Navy's overall maritime patrol capability supporting national defense objectives and policies without interruption or impediment to operations or combat readiness.

P-3C Orion (Photo @Navy.mil)

Ultimately, this action will include a total of 84 fleet and FRS aircraft.@NNS
----ooo----


P-8A Poseidon

P-8A Cockpit (Photo @Boeing)
Technical Specs
Length: 126.5 feet
Height: 42.1 feet
Wing Span: 117.5 feet
Max Fuel Capacity: 75,169 pounds
Max Zero Fuel Weight: 138,300 pounds
Max Taxi Weight: 184,700 pounds
Max Cruise Altitude: 41,000 feet
Max Cruise Speed: 490 KTAS (True Air Speed)
Max Range Cruise Speed: 440 KTAS (True Air Speed)
Propulsion: Two CFM56-7B engines providing 27,000 pounds thrust each
@Boeing
----ooo----

Naval Air Station Jacksonville
Commissioned on October 15, 1940, NAS Jacksonville occupies 3,896 acres in Jacksonville, Florida (Duval County) west of the St. Johns River and approximately 15 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. NAS Jacksonville employs approximately 18,000 active duty and civilian personnel. It is a multi-mission base hosting more than 100 tenant commands. This installation serves as the host for the Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven and Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30), the FRS for the P-3C.

NAS Jacksonville hosts six assigned squadrons of P-3C aircraft and one FRS. This base also hosts a detachment of the Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Atlantic Fleet, and five squadrons of SH-60/HH-60/MH-60 helicopters. Additionally, an operational squadron of C-40 aircraft (the 18 military cargo and passenger variant of the Boeing 737) operates from NAS Jacksonville.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

Commissioned on September 21, 1942, NAS Whidbey Island is 50 miles north of Seattle, Washington, next to the city of Oak Harbor in Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island forms the northern boundary of Puget Sound and is located at the eastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. NAS Whidbey Island employs more than 9,000 military and civilian personnel. The air station is home to 19 active duty squadrons, two reserve squadrons, and numerous tenant commands. NAS Whidbey Island provides land-based support and training (including airspace, operating areas, and ranges) for all of the Navy’s active duty EA-6B (being replaced by EA-18G) and EP-3 aircraft squadrons and the West Coast Fleet P-3C patrol and reconnaissance aircraft squadrons. The station also supports a Navy Reserve P-3C and a C-9 squadron in addition to the air station’s MH-60S search-and-rescue helicopters. Tenant commands include Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Ten and Commander Electronic Attack Wing Pacific.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay
First commissioned as a Naval Air Station in 1941, MCBH Kaneohe Bay was re-commissioned on January 15, 1952, as a Marine Corps base. MCBH Kaneohe Bay is located on Mokapu Peninsula, which connects to Oahu, on the windward side, near the communities of Kaneohe and Kailua. The base is approximately 12 miles northeast of Honolulu. MCBH Kaneohe Bay employs approximately 11,200 active duty Navy, Marine Corps, and civilian personnel. The installation is home to the 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Aircraft Group 24, and the 3rd Radio Battalion. This installation supports three assigned squadrons of P-3C aircraft and MH-60, SH-60, and C-20 aircraft. Tenant commands include Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two.

Spanish and Dutch thwart pirate attack off Somalia

12:45 GMT, January 2, 2009 A naval mission of the European Union (ATALANTA) has thwarted the seizure of a Greek tanker by pirates off Somalia, the Greek merchant marine ministry said on Friday.

"Today at about 9:50 a.m. local time, an attempt was made by pirates to seize the Kriti Episkopi tanker, which was sailing under the Greek flag in the Gulf of Aden near the coast of Somalia.

The crew, in particular, included six Greek sailors," the ministry said.Initially, the ship's captain managed to escape a boat with armed pirates by maneuvering the ship and later the pirates were driven away by a Spanish warplane and a Dutch frigate, the ministry said.Pirates have been increasingly active in the waters off Somalia, where over 120 ships have been attacked so far this year, with around 40 vessels seized. The navies of at least 10 countries are involved in anti-piracy operations off the coast of the East African nation.@defro

Corporal Liam Elms RM killed in Afghanistan


Corporal Elms was killed in action by an explosion on 31 December 2008 in southern Helmand whilst on operations with Zulu Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines. The Company was conducting a local area patrol alongside Afghan National Army troops in order to reassure the local population. @MoDUK

Empat Negara Bantu Bakorkamla

Jum'at, 02 Jan 2009 -- EMPAT negara, yakni China, Amerika Serikat (AS), Jerman, dan Jepang sudah berkomitmen memberikan bantuan Badan Koordinasi Keamanan Laut (Bakorkamla)pada 2009.

"Mereka mendukung penguatan keamanan laut di Indonesia," kata Kepala Pelaksana Harian Bakorkamla Laksdya Budhi Hardjo di sela-sela hari ulang tahun ke-2 Bakorkamla di Jakarta, Rabu (31/12) malam.

Dia menjelaskan, China telah berkomitmen membangun satelit keamanan laut. AS berencana meningkatkan kemampuan national picture computation (NPC) yang sudah dimiliki.

Alat ini berfungsi untuk tracking (menjejak) kapal niaga dan kapal asing yang melewati perairan Indonesia. Selain mendeteksi kapal yang melanggar wilayah perbatasan, NPC dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai sistem peringatan dini kapal yang menuju wilayah berbahaya dengan memadukan dengan data Badan Meteorologi dan Geofisika (BMG).

Sedangkan Jerman, menawarkan hibah kapal multifungsi buatan negeri itu. Budhi
mengatakan, kapasitas kapal yang diberikan cukup besar, yakni 2.000 gross
ton. Kemampuan kapal ini tidak sekadar patroli dan pengawasan tapi juga
penyelamatan. Bakorkamla tengah mempelajari detail bagaimana nantinya kapal digunakan dalam mendukung operasi keamanan laut di wilayah perairan Indonesia.

Akan dilihat kembali spesifikasi kapal, untuk disesuaikan dengan operasi yang akan dilakukan. "Kemungkinan akan jadi kapal markas," kata dia. Dari pembicarakan yang sudah dilakukan, diperkirakan kesepakatan dapat terealiasi bulan ini.

Budhi menambahkan, peningkatan kapasitas diberikan Jepang, Negeri Sakura itu mengucurkan bantuan mencapai US$300 juta (sekitar Rp3,3 triliun). Kucuran akan disalurkan secara bertahap selama tiga tahun ke depan.

Salah satu poin kerja sama adalah rencana hibah tiga kapal patroli dari Coast Guard Jepang. Sistem peringatan dini juga akan dibangun di beberapa titik. Di luar itu, negeri matahari terbit itu juga memberikan komitmennya menggelar latihan bersama, tukar-menukar personel, dan asistensi.

Japan Coast Guard Ship Shikishima

Meski mencari bantuan asing, kata Budhi, Bakorkamla tetap memiliki peta jalan peningkatan kapasitasnya. Antara lain, pembangunan akademi pendidikan keamanan laut, pembangunan perwakilan Bakorkamla di enam kota,dan pengembangan teknologi informasi seperti satelit pengintai. Adhitya Cahya Utama @JURNAS

U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman to modernize B-2 radar

B-2 radar modernization program contract awarded
Air Force officials have awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation to provide advanced state-of-the-art radar components as part of a radar modernization program for the for the B-2 Spirit bomber.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

11:24 GMT, January 1, 2009 WASHINGTON Air Force officials awarded a production contract to the Northrop Grumman Corporation Dec. 29 for the B-2 stealth bomber radar modernization program.

The production contract, with a target price of approximately $468 million, will provide advanced state-of-the-art radar components to ensure sustained operational viability of the B-2 bomber fleet at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., well into the foreseeable future.

Northrop Grumman Integrated System in Palmdale, Calif., is the B-2 RMP prime contractor and has significant subcontracting efforts with Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems in El Segundo, Calif.; Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, N.Y.; and BAE Systems in Greenlawn, N.Y.

The award of the B-2 RMP production contract builds upon successful initial operational test and evaluation flight tests that were recently completed at Edwards AFB, Calif. @Defro

Israel fears Hamas strike on Dimona nukes


Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:42:45 GMT PRESS TV -- Hamas retaliatory attacks have alarmed Israel with officials anticipating that the Dimona nuclear complex might become the next target.

Tel Aviv has shunned international calls for an immediate halt to its military campaign on the Gaza Strip, despite the Israeli military campaign against the impoverished sliver having left at least 436 Palestinians dead and some 2,250 others wounded.

Some Israeli officials say the aim of the operation is to stop rocket attacks launched from the strip, while some have claimed Tel Aviv has launched the attacks to "topple Hamas".

In retaliation to the raids on Gaza, Hamas has launched at least 280 rockets into Israel, hitting targets 25 miles (40 kilometers) into the occupied lands.

Israeli officials were quoted by the Times Online as saying on Friday that Hamas may have acquired longer range rockets, which would enable the group to target the sole Israeli nuclear plant in Dimona.

Israel, according to former US president Jimmy Carter, is the owner of the only nuclear arsenal in the Middle East. Dimona is believed to be housing the Israeli nuclear warheads.

As the death toll continues to rise in Gaza, Israeli tanks and troops have massed along the Gaza border and are reportedly preparing for a full-scale ground incursion into the impoverished area -- home to 1.5 million Palestinians.

The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade since Hamas took control of the area in mid-June 2007, after winning the majority vote in the 2006 Palestinian election. (MD/AA) @PRESS TV

NSM contract valued at MNOK 800 with Poland

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has won a contract with the Polish Ministry of Defence for a coastal artillery system featuring ground-launched Naval Strike Missiles (NSM). With a scope of MNOK 800, the contract was won in an open international competition. Delivery is scheduled for completion within 48 months.

The contract encompasses NSMs for use in conjunction with a command and weapon control system similar to KONGSBERG's renowned NASAMS air defence system. The radar system, communications system and trucks carrying launch ramps will be provided by Polish subcontractors.

KONGSBERG originally developed the NSM for the Norwegian Navy, and the missile is in production for deployment on the new Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen Class frigates and the new Norwegian Skjold Class missile torpedo boats. KONGSBERG has more than 30 years' experience of delivering command and weapon control systems to Norway and many other NATO countries.

The contract with Poland is the result of efforts devoted to exporting the NSM to other NATO countries, and it strengthens the company's position as a supplier of anti-ship missiles as well as command and weapon control systems. @Kongsberg

Pengiriman Pasukan TNI ke Palestina Tergantung PBB

Jumat, 02 Januari 2009 22:48 WIB JAKARTA--MI: Markas Besar (Mabes) TNI menegaskan, pengiriman pasukan ke Palestina sangat tergantung pada putusan Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa (PBB).

Kepala Pusat Penerangan Mabes TNI Marsekal Muda TNI Sagom Tamboen di Jakarta, Jumat(2/1) mengatakan, hingga saat ini PBB belum memutuskan langkah untuk penyelesaian konflik di Gaza antara Palestina dan Israel.

"PBB belum memutuskan apapun, apakah seruan gencatan senjata, pengiriman pasukan atau langkah lainnya. Jadi, kita tidak bisa semaunya mengirimkan pasukan ke sana. Ada mekanismenya," katanya.

Jika PBB memutuskan untuk membentuk pasukan pemelihara perdamaian di Palestina, dan menawarkan kepada sejumlah negara yang berminat mengirimkan pasukan militernya, itu pun masih harus melalui seleksi oleh PBB, ujar Sagom menambahkan.

Sementara itu, Dewan Keamanan PBB rapat mendadak pada malam Tahun Baru, Rabu (31/12), membahas rancangan resolusi dari Liga Arab yang berisi kecaman dan desakan supaya Israel segera menghentikan serangan ke Gaza. AS menolak rancangan Liga Arab karena dinilai "tidak imbang dan memihak".

Isi rancangan resolusi dari Liga Arab itu "mengecam serangan militer sekaligus penggunaan kekerasan yang tidak seimbang mendesak Israel dan Hamas segera sepakat untuk menghentikan segala bentuk serangan serta menghormati satu sama lain.

Dalam rancangan itu juga Israel diminta untuk mematuhi hukum internasional dalam Konvensi Geneva yang mewajibkan ada perlindungan warga sipil jika terjadi peperangan.

Rancangan resolusi yang diedarkan Libya, wakil dari ke-22 negara anggota di Liga Arab, itu langsung ditolak AS. Rancangan resolusi Liga Arab itu dinilai "tidak imbang" dan "memihak" karena tidak ikut menyebutkan keharusan Hamas untuk menghentikan serangan roket dan mortir di wilayah Israel selatan.

Padahal, menurut AS, serangan Israel itu justru disebabkan "hujan roket" dari Gaza oleh Hamas. Duta Besar Israel untuk PBB Gabriela Shalev menegaskan, Israel menyerang semata- mata membalas lebih dari 300 roket dan mortir yang ditembakkan Hamas ke Israel. "Israel tak akan diam saja menghadapi serangan. Israel akan melakukan apa saja untuk melindungi rakyatnya dan menghentikannya," katanya.

Duta Besar AS untuk PBB Zalmay Khalilzad menyebutkan, AS berusaha keras mewujudkan gencatan senjata antara Israel dan Hamas. Namun, AS mengaku hingga kini belum melihat bukti niat baik Hamas mengakhiri serangan roketnya. Cara yang terbaik untuk menyelesaikan isu ini, kata Khalilzad, hanyalah melalui upaya diplomasi.

Peninjau PBB dari Palestina, Riyad Mansour, yakin negara-negara Arab akan bekerja "siang dan malam" hingga DK PBB menyetujui rancangan resolusi mereka. "Kita menghadapi situasi yang berbahaya di Timur Tengah akibat serangan Israel yang mengancam kehidupan 1,5 juta warga Palestina dan mengancam proses perdamaian," ujarnya.

Sekretaris Jenderal PBB Ban Ki-moon juga mengingatkan, komunitas internasional belum mengerahkan tenaga semaksimal mungkin untuk menghentikan serangan Israel. Karena itu, Ban meminta komunitas internasional, terutama negara-negara di Timur Tengah, untuk memanfaatkan pengaruh dan kekuasaan masing-masing guna membujuk kedua belah pihak agar bersedia menghentikan konflik. (Ant/OL-03)@MIOL

Russia's Pacific Fleet warships join anti-piracy mission

MOSCOW, January 2 (RIA Novosti) - A naval task force from Russia's Pacific Fleet led by the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer has joined a Russian frigate on an anti-piracy mission off Somalia, a source in the fleet's headquarters said Friday.

"A group of warships of the Pacific Fleet has entered the Arabian Sea to join the Baltic Fleet's escort ship Neustrashimy. They will be jointly accomplishing their mission according to plan," the source said.

The Neustrashimy (Fearless) frigate has been operating off the Horn of Africa according to international maritime law and agreements since the end of October to protect commercial ships from pirate attacks.

Apart from the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer, the naval task force also includes the rescue tug-boat Foty Krylov and the tankers Boris Butoma and Pechenga.

Admiral Vinogradov (photo @maritimequest)

The naval grouping is expected to be joined by the Russian Northern Fleet's Pyotr Veliky nuclear-powered missile cruiser, which is currently on its way to South Africa's Cape Town, following which it will sail to the Horn of Africa.

Capt. 1st Rank Igor Dygalo, a Russian Navy spokesman, earlier said that the Neustrashimy frigate had protected over 50 commercial ships from pirates off the Somali coast since late October.

Pirates have been increasingly active in the waters off Somalia, where over 120 ships have been attacked so far this year, with around 40 vessels seized. The navies of at least 10 countries are involved in anti-piracy operations off the coast of the East African nation.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution in December authorizing countries and multinational organizations involved in tackling piracy to "undertake all necessary measures in Somalia, including in its airspace" to prevent "acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea."

Resolution 1851 (2008), which was drafted by the United States, will be in force for one year. news @RIA Novosti

Palestinian factions claim responsibility for launching missiles at Sderot

GAZA, Jan 2 (KUNA) -- Two Palestinian factions on Friday claimed responsibility for launching missiles at the Israeli city of Sderot.

"The two missiles launched Friday evening came in retaliation to the continuous Israeli massacre in Gaza Strip," a joint statement by the National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the Democratic Front to Liberate Palestine and al-Aqsa
Martyrs Brigades; Fatah's military wing, said.

Meanwhile, Hamas's military wing of Izz al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades said that its fighters, earlier this evening, launched four (Grad) rockets toward the Israeli towns of Zikim, Ner Isaac and Ashkelon.(zt.hb)@KUNA

Israeli warplanes, gunboats take turns in hitting targets in battered Gaza

GAZA, Jan 2 (KUNA) -- An Israeli-manned F-16 fighter jet raided a house in Sheikh Radwan region north of Gaza city on Friday destroying it and wounding seven occupants, witnesses and medical sources reported.

Medical sources said among the wounded was a two-year-old baby girl and driver of an ambulance.

Several F-16s raided the site of the long-abandoned Gaza airport site, east of the border town of Rafah, and two houses in Al-Shujaiah district in eastern Gaza city were attacked, but no casualties were reported.


The roaring aircraft also bombed a police station in Al-Meghraqa in the center of the strip and the Marriot Hotel in the western half of the city, causing extensive damage.

Meanwhile, Israeli gunboats cruising off shore hit buildings used by Izz-Eddine Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic group Hamas in Gaza city. Other sites were also pounded with rockets fired from the cruising vessels.

Israeli fighter jets and gunship helicopters, engaged in a massive air operation on Gaza Strip since a week ago, carried out a new wave of attacks throughout the day, adding to wide-scale damage in the bomb-battered strip.

Earlier, witnesses said an Israeli Apache gunship helicopter fired a pair of rockets in the direction of a courtyard of a house in the town of Al-Qarrarah, north of Khan Youness, in the south of Gaza Strip.

AH64 Long Bow Israel @xnir

The rockets' blast killed three children who were playing outside their house, they said.

Hammad Mesbeh, 15, died in an Israeli air strike on a house in the district of Al-Shujaiah eastern Gaza city, medical sources said. Fadi Wuhaib Sehbat, 20, died in another air assault on a house in Beit Hanoun, in the north of the strip.

Sources at Al-Shifaa Hospital said a 6-year-old girl, who was wounded in an air strike two days ago, succumbed to her injuries today at the hospital.

At the refugee camp of Al-Nusairat, located in the center of the strip, fighter jets fired rockets in the direction of the house of a leading member of Izz-Eddine Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic movement, Hamas, rendering the house into a heap of smouldering rubble. But no casualties were reported. The aircraft hit another house in the camp leaving three people wounded.

Sources at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah said four wounded people were admitted today.

In Khan Youness in the south of the strip, the aircraft attacked and demolished a house and wounded several people.

With this, the number of Palestinians killed in the Israeli attacks on Gaza so far came to 427, with more than 2,240 injured. Zakaria Al-Tilimis @KUNA

TNI AL Kaji Ulang Pemindahan LANTAMAL IV

Jakarta, Markas Besar TNI Angkatan Laut (AL) akan mengkaji kembali pemindahan Pangkalan Utama Angkatan Laut (Lantamal) IV dari Tanjungpinang, Riau, ke Mempawah, Kalimantan Barat.

"Semula memang direncanakan tahun ini, paling telat 2009. Tetapi setelah dilakukan peninjauan langsung, maka rencana pemindahan akan dikaji kembali lebih mendalam secara bertahap," kata Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut (Kasal) Laksamana TNI Tedjo Edhy Purdijanto di Jakarta, Selasa.

Usai bertemu Sekjen Departemen Pertahanan (Dephan) Letjen TNI Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin di Kantor Dephan, Kasal mengatakan, sampai saat ini belum ada pembangunan di sekitar Mempawah.

"Dan lagi, kita belum bisa pastikan apakah Mempawah akan dijadikan sebagai Lantamal atau Pangkalan TNI Angkatan Laut (Lanal) itu masih akan dikaji secara bertahap. Jadi, kita tunda dulu semua rencana terkait itu," ujar Tedjo menegaskan.

Saat ini, untuk mengamankan wilayah barat perairan Indonesia, TNI AL memiliki Pos Angkatan Laut (Posal) kelas A di Mempawah.

Pihak Mabes TNI AL telah melakukan beberapa kajian terhadap kondisi nyata di Mempawah, dan ditemukan beberapa kendala seperti lautnya dangkal sehingga menyulitkan bagi kapal berbobot besar untuk sandar, serta sedimentasi di sekitar Pelabuhan Mempawah.

Sesuai dengan rencana strategis TNI AL 2005-2024 serta rencana validasi organisasi TNI AL 2005, secara bertahap Posal Kelas `A` Mempawah yang baru saja diresmikan pada April 2008.

Pembangun Pelabuhan Lantamal IV Mempawah untuk mengamankan wilayah perairah Indonesia bagian Barat, khususnya di wilayah perairan Kalimantan Barat yang langsung berbatasan dengan sejumlah negara, seperti Malaysia.

TNI AL saat ini tengah menata kembal lokasi pangkalan-pangkalannya termasuk merelokasi atau pengembangan pangkalan yang ada.

TNI AL memiliki 11 Lantamal, termasuk Lanal di Kupang dan Padang yang pada 2005 dan 2006 telah dikembangkan menjadi Lantamal dan Lantamal Merauke yang akan diresmikan pada pertengahan Januari 2009. @ANTARA

Russian carrier-based aircraft to exercise in Greek airspace

The Admiral Kuznetsov Russian Aircraft Carrier (photo @RussianVictories)

ATHENS, January 2 (RIA Novosti) - Deck-based aviation of Russia's heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov will hold exercises in the Greek airspace in January, the Greek National Defense General Staff said on Friday.

"The exercises will take place on January 3-4 and on January 8-10 southeast of Rhodes Island and on January 11 south of Crete," the General Staff said.

The exercises will be held in international waters but the aircraft will fly in the Athens airspace, the General Staff said.

Russia announced in 2007 that its Navy had resumed and would build up a constant presence in different regions of the world's oceans. news @RIA Novosti

Kilinochchi Conquered - Part 2

Troops enter Kilinochchi

2 Jan 2009 - 13:47 -- The troops of the heroic armed forces engaged in the humanitarian operation ventured in to the Kilinochchi town area marking a significant victory against LTTE terrorists, stated the Director General of MCNS Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle at a press briefing held at the MCNS today (02/01). The main administrative hub cum the heartland of the LTTE terrorists Elam dream will fall into the hands of the valiant troops. The liberation of Kilinochchi town will be the biggest defeat ever to the LTTE. It is expected that the official proclamation will be released at any moment from now he further stated.

Troops of the 57 division and task force I are conducting military operations in Kilinochchi and have entered the town through three different directions stated Military Spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara joining the press briefing . Task force I troops have entered through the North while troops of the 57 division have entered through west and south.


Kilinochchi is considered as the defector Elam capital of the LTTE. Spread over an area of 1250 sq km Kilinochchi is one of the most fertile districts in the country. Crops such as paddy chili, onions etc. which were grown there contributed to the economy before the tiger terrorists controlled the area. The capturing of Kilinochchi comes after 10 years and the troops of the 57 division and task force I will no doubt go down in history.

Another significance of Kilinochchi is that it was the location where the LTTE had set up their Kangaroo courts Elam police headquarters, Elam banks and most importantly the luxurious LTTE Peace secretariat. The illegal tax imposition of the LTTE was also administrated through Kilinochchi. Therefore the fall of the LTTE administration of Kilinochchi is a major loss for the LTTE terrorists.

Addressing the media at the briefing Air force Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara stated that 25 Air missions were carried out on 32 identified LTTE targets since October 1st as a support to the troops of the 57 division and Task force I operating in the Paranthan and Kilinochchi areas. SLAF MI 24 Helicopters squadron, Kafir and fighter jets squadrons conducted 144 interdiction missions and pounded 204 LTTE targets located in and beyond the LTTE FDL.

Acting Navy Spokesman Commander Karunarathna and Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunesekara were also present at the briefing. @nationalsecurity.lk

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Kilinochchi liberated- Countdown to extinction begins for LTTE

2 Jan 2009 - 16:36 -- The 57 Division and the Task Force 1 of Sri Lanka Army today (02/01) scored the greatest victory in their noble battle against terrorism by liberating the Kilinochchi town, the so-called administrative hub of the LTTE terrorists.

Troops of 57 Division lead by Major General Jagath Dias have entered into the highly defended terrorists stronghold from the South and Southwestern boundaries while the Task Force 1 troops lead by Brigadier Shavendra Silva have marched in from the North and Northwest.

Kilinochchi, though not very strategically located in terms of military maneuvers, has been given a great symbolic importance by the LTTE terrorists as their administrative "capital". In fact, the LTTE propaganda elements used to call the town as their de facto capital of the utopian state of "Eelam". However , Sri Lanka government has been running all civil administrative affairs in the area, including bank and finance, education, health, trade and welfare .

The terrorist first took hold of the town in 1990 when the Army withdrew its garrisons from Kilinochchi. Then the area was liberated by the Army during operations Sathjaya I, II, and III in September 1996. The town again fell into the terrorists' hand in September 1998 and had their administrative hub there ever since.

The LTTE is a ruthless terrorists outfit that has been engaged in a bloody terrorist campaign against the citizens of Sri Lanka since 1983. Lead by a psychopathic chief , the outfit has been trying to establish an ethnically pure Tamil state on the Sri Lankan soil. The LTTE is also the first terrorist outfit to use suicide bombers, and to develop naval and aerial fighting capability. The outfit is listed in the UN list of shame for using child soldiers and banned in many countries in the world. news@ nationalsecurity.lk
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Kilinochchi Conquered - Part 1

2 Jan 2009 - 09:37 -- MULLAITTIVU: LTTE suffered damages in a confrontation in MULLIYAWELI East around 9.25 am yesterday (01/01). LTTE suffered heavy damages during a bitter confrontation in MULLIYAWELI the area around 3.30pm yesterday (01/01). Troops recovered six bodies of LTTE terrorists along with two T-56 weapons, one RPG, one I-Com set, twenty Hand Grenades, two RPG rounds during a subsequent search operation conducted in the area.

Heavy clashes erupted in MULLIYAWELI East area once again from 6.00 am to 5.50 pm yesterday (01/01) with the troops inflicting major damages on the LTTE terrorists. During a subsequent search operation conducted in the area troops recovered bodies of eight LTTE terrorists along with a large haul of military items. The following are the items recovered, one MPMG, five T-56 weapons, ten RPG rounds, twenty Hand Grenades, one NVD, one Pack, one GPS, and one Battery charger.

The LTTE terrorists suffered heavy damages in bitter clashes in PALLEITHAIDUWANKULAM area between 4.15 pm and 5.00 pm on the same day.

Meanwhile LTTE communication has confirmed that the Air strike launched using MI-24 Helicopters around 8.45am yesterday (01/01) have caused huge damages to the terrorists.

Clashes occurred 3 km south of ODDUSUDAN area around 11.45 am yesterday (01/01) with the troops inflicting damages on the LTTE. In search operations conducted in the area between 10.00 am and 01.00 pm troops recovered one IED (Improvised Explosive Devices). Meanwhile LTTE suffered heavy damages during three separate confrontations in ODDUSUDAN south area on the same day.

In clashes that occurred in KARADIYAMADU area from 6.30 am to 6.45 pm yesterday (01/01) troops suffered minor damages. @nationalsecurity.lk

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Heavy losses to LTTE in Kilinochchi

2 Jan 2009 - 09:47 -- KILINOCHCHI: SL Army troops inflicted heavy damages to LTTE terrorists advancing towards the IRANAMADU junction from the IRANAMADU south area since 05.30 am to 12.15 pm yesterday (01/01). The troops also suffered minor damages during the clashes. Meanwhile one Army soldier was wounded due to an LTTE IED explosion in the IRANAMADU west area around 1.45 pm on the same day.

LTTE terrorists suffered heavy damages in two different clashes in the KILINOCHCHI area yesterday (01/01). Troops also sustained minor damages during the clashes. Meanwhile LTTE terrorists had to face severe losses in four different clashes in the PARANTHAN south area between 10.00 am to 6.45 pm on the same day. @nationalsecurity.lk
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LTTE terrorists suffered damages in Muhamalei

2 Jan 2009 - 09:53 -- JAFFNA: LTTE terrorists sustained damages in a confrontation in the MUHAMALEI area around 08.50 pm yesterday (01/01). Troops operating in the KILALY area sustained minor damages in a confrontation in the wee hours on the same day. Meanwhile the troops suffered minor damages due to an LTTE booby trap explosion around 07.45 am yesterday (01/01). @nationalsecurity
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SUT Torpedo Buatan PT. Dirgantara Indonesia

Torpedo merupakan senjata andalan kapal selam dalam suatu pertempuran laut. Kebutuhan akan torpedo akan meningkat bersamaan kedatangan dua buah kapal selam KRI Cakra dan KRI Nanggala dari Jerman. Selain itu torpedo digunakan juga oleh kapal permukaan milik TNI-AL.

Pemerintah pada saat itu, memutuskan untuk memproduksi sendiri torpedo guna memenuhi kebutuhan tersebut. PT. Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) sekarang PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (PT. DI), ditunjuk sebagai produsen torpedo dalam negeri. Dengan pertimbangan, merupakan perusahaan yang paling siap ditinjau dari sistem, sumber daya manusia, sarana serta prasarananya.

KRI Nanggala

Menggunakan lisensi dari AEG (Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft, General Electricity Company) Jerman, PT. DI mulai memproduksi SUT (Surface and Underwater Target) Torpedo di Kawasan Produksi V di Pulau Madura. Produksi SUT Torpedo menyerap tenaga kerja sebanyak 399 orang.

Pada awalnya, direncanakan akan diproduksi 100 buah SUT Torpedo sesuai pesanan Dephan. Hingga saat ini, jumlah tersebut belum terpenuhi karena TNI AL membeli sesuai dengan anggaran yang tersedia setiap tahunnya.

SUT Torpedo dapat ditembakan dari helikopter, seperti NAS 332 Super Puma atau dari pesawat CN-235 MPA.

PT. DI membuat dua varian SUT Torpedo, latihan dan perang. Khusus varian latihan baterai torpedo dapat diisi ulang. Satu kali isi ulang dapat digunakan 10 hingga 15 kali latihan. Sedangkan varian perang tidak ada informasi yang detil dari PT. DI daya tahan baterainya. Akan tetapi umur baterai dapat diperpanjang, jika usia pakainya terlewati.Hal ini membuat usia pakai SUT Torpedo menjadi lebih lama.

Panjang SUT Torpedo dengan kasket 6620 mm, sedangkan tanpa kasket 6150 mm. Berat torpedo varian perang 1413.6 kg, varian latihan 1224 kg. Dengan membawa hulu ledak seberat 225 kg SUT Torpedo mampu mengkaramkan sebuah frigate. Jarak jangkau SUT Torpedo 38 km dengan kemampuan menyelam hingga 100 m.

Pengembangkan SUT Torpedo terhenti di fase ketiga, fase elektronik. Dari lima fase yang harus dilewati dalam pengembangan SUT Torpedo. Terhentinya pengembangan ini, karena pemerintah saat itu memprioritaskan pengembangan pesawat N-250. Sedangkan pemerintah sekarang, belum terlihat meneruskan pengembangan SUT Torpedo ke fase selanjutnya. @majalahmiliter.blogspot

7 RAR Operationally Deployable Ahead of Schedule


The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, and the Federal Member for Wakefield, Mr Nick Champion MP, today confirmed that the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (7 RAR) has achieved its next major milestone in its growth to a full infantry battalion.

7 RAR was raised in Darwin in January 2007, as the first of two battalions to be raised under the Enhanced Land Force (ELF) initiative.

“7 RAR was scheduled to be ‘operationally deployable’ as a general infantry battalion working in a battle group by 2010,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The Battalion has recently deployed its first combat team on operations in Iraq as the Baghdad Security Detachment; and its headquarters and a second company to Afghanistan as part of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force.

“This means 7 RAR is operationally deployable well before the directed timeframe of 2010.”

The battalion will relocate from Darwin to Adelaide in 2011 and continue to grow to a full mechanised battalion by 2013.

“7 RAR and its families will be a welcome addition to the community,” Mr Champion said.


“ELF will provide increased strategic depth and concurrency to the Australian Defence Force land forces, with two new battle groups created within the Army, along with appropriate joint enabling capabilities,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The second additional battalion – 8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (8/9 RAR) – was also raised in Brisbane in October 2007, and will be a motorised infantry battalion, using the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles.

“8/9 RAR currently remains on schedule to be ‘operationally deployable’ in 2010 and to be a full motorised battalion by 2011.”

Army command and control, combat support and combat service support elements are being enhanced as enabling capabilities to the battle groups.

Air Force will receive funding for an additional 700 C-130 Hercules flying hours, to support training and deployment of the additional battalions and enabling capabilities.

ELF will also fund numerous new facilities in Defence locations throughout Australia. news@mediacentre

Pakistan urges US to stop drone attacks

2009-01-02 00:09:11 -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Thursday urged the United States to stop cross-border drone attacks inside Pakistan's territory.

Speaking at private TV channel GEO's program, Qureshi said that Pakistan had asked the United States to put a halt to drone attacks.

He said that such attacks were not in the interest of the two countries and also urged the United States to review its policy.(Yan) news @XINHUA

read also .... US Drone Missiles Kill 3 in Pakistan

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US Drones (UAV)

Air Force's hunter-killer UAV now flying in Afghanistan
Aircrews perform a preflight check on an MQ-9 Reaper before it takes off on a mission in Afghanistan Oct. 1. The Reaper is larger and more heavily-armed than the MQ-1 Predator and attacks time-sensitive targets with persistence and precision, to destroy or disable those targets. (
Courtesy photo)

General Characteristics
Name:MQ-9 REAPER
Primary Function: Unmanned hunter/killer weapon system
Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Power Plant: Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop engine
Thrust: 900 shaft horsepower maximum
Wingspan: 66 feet (20.1 meters)
Length: 36 feet (11 meters)
Height: 12.5 feet (3.8 meters)
Weight: 4,900 pounds (2,223 kilograms) empty

Air Force's hunter-killer UAV now flying in Afghanistan
A maintenance Airman inspects an MQ-9 Reaper in Afghanistan Oct. 1. Capable of striking enemy targets with on-board weapons, the Reaper has conducted close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. (
Courtesy photo)

Maximum takeoff weight: 10,500 pounds (4,760 kilograms)
Fuel Capacity: 4,000 pounds (602 gallons)
Payload: 3,750 pounds (1,701 kilograms)
Speed: cruise speed around 230 miles per hour, (200 knots)
Range: 3,682 miles (3,200 nautical miles)
Ceiling: up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)

One step at a time
Tech Sgt. Michael Stewart (left) and Senior Airman Valero Mendoza carry a practice AGM-114P Hellfire missile away from a MQ-9 Reaper June 19 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. Staff Sgt. Jawann Wilson is in the background. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)

Armament: Combination of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II and GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions.
Crew (remote): Two (pilot and sensor operator)
Unit Cost: $53.5 million (includes four aircraft with sensors) (fiscal 2006 dollars)
Initial operating capability: October 2007
Inventory: Active force, 10; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0
@airforcelink


INDRA Radar Pertama Buatan Indonesia

Tanggal 24 Oktober 2008 merupakan hari yang bersejarah bagi perkembangan dunia IPTEK Indonesia, khususnya teknologi radar.Hari itu, pertama kalinya Indonesia berhasil meluncurkan radar maritim INDRA (Indonesian Radar) yang produksinya sepenuhnya dilakukan oleh anak bangsa.

Radar Maritim (Coastal Radar) INDRA saat diujicobakan di Pantai Cilegon, Kota Cilegon, Banten berhasil mendeteksi dan mengukur jarak sebuah kapal yang sedang berlayar di laut dengan akurat. Saat uji coba berlangsung, disaksikan oleh Dinas Litbang TNI-AL.

Radar ini dibuat dengan kemampuan mendeteksi dan mengukur sebuah jarak kapal di lautan dengan memanfatkan teknologi Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW), dimana menghasilkan daya pancar yang sangat rendah. Daya pancarnya yang hanya 2 watt tidak akan membuat perangkat-perangkat lain disekitarnya terganggu. Selain itu, sangat lemah dideteksi oleh radar scanner membuat INDRA ideal sebagai radar senyap.

Radar ini diberi nama INDRA CXD-1, mempunyai daya jangkau 2 km, 4 km, 8 km, 16 km, 32 km dan maksimum 64 km. Sistem transmitter menggunakan X band (sekitar 9.0 GHz).

Penempatan radar menggunakan tower diintegrasikan dengan antena. Pengolah citra radar menggunakan MATA (Maritime Tracking Aid) serta IRNET (INDRA Network) dimana tampilan dengan layar warna VGA resolusi minimal 1280 x 1024 pixels, sistem operasi Linux/Unix.

Radar Maritim INDRA dibuat oleh Solusi247 sebuah perusahaan teknologi informasi berlokasi di Jakarta. Melalui divisi radar RCS-247 (Radar & Communication Systems), Solusi247 berkerjasama sama dengan PPET-LIPI (Pusat Penelitian Elektronik dan Telekomunikasi) Bandung, ITB, UI, IDE (Innovation Design Engineering), IRCTR-TU Delft (International Research Centre for Telecommunication-transmission and Radar) Belanda, INFRANET, IBM dan PT. Serang Shipyard membuat radar ini.

Saat ini RCS-247 telah mengembangkan Radar Kapal (Marine Radar) dengan nama INDRA-MX-1, INDRA-MX-1A, INDRA-MXD-1, dan INDRA-MXD-1A serta radar penembus tanah (Ground Penetrating Radar).

CN235-220 MPA

CN235-220 MPA Indonesia Airforce (photo @Ardava)

Mission Capabilities
To survey protect borders and maritime resources
To perform a number of specific task that will enchance the security programs which include:
  • Provide effective day night surveillance to detect intruder activities and coordinates apprehension efforts.
  • Operation offer rugged, inaccessible land border to detect suspicious activities.
  • Fishery survey, anti smuggling, anti drug, and immigration control.
  • Optional attack capability of surface targets (from smalll and fast boats to large armed vessels) acting independently or in co-operation.
Mission System
Equipped with Amascos 200 (Airborne Maritime Situation and Control System) and the Ocean Master radar.
Power Plant
General Electric CT7-9C
S.L., Static Take-off with APR
Performance
Condition: ISA 00C, S/L MTOW 16,000 kg
Maximum Speed 240 kts
Long Range Speed: 202 kts
Max. Endurance Speed: 165 kts
Max. Range: 1,665 Nm
Weight
Max. Taxi Weight: 16,100 kg
Max. Take-off Weight: 16,000 kg
Max. Landing Weight: 15,800 kg
Max. Zero Fuel Weight: 14,900 kg
Max. Usable Fuel Capacity: 4,000 kg

CN235-220 MPA Indonesia Airforce (photo @TNI AU)
Dimension
Overall Span: 25.810 m
Overall Length: 22.890 m
Overall Height: 8.117 m
Gross Wing Area: 61.00 m2
Wheel Track: 3.900 m
Wheel Base: 9.919 m

US drone missiles kill 3 in Pakistan

An MQ-1 Predator armed with an AGM-114 Hellfire missile flies a training mission. The MQ-1's primary mission is interdiction and conducting armed reconnaissance against critical, perishable targets. (photo @af.mil)

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:18:44 GMT -- Suspected US missile drones have targeted an automobile in Pakistan killing all three passengers of the vehicle and a house. Three guide-missiles launched by the drones.

The incident occurred at Lamman village in South Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

Islamabad has repeatedly condemned such operations as a violation of its sovereignty, with some officials saying it undermined the country's battle with militancy and would be counter-productive. news @PRESS TV, @KUNA, @XINHUA

Kilinochchi Battlefield

SLAF jets, helicopter gunships raid LTTE positions at Paranthan-Kilinochchi

12/31/2008 7:15:01 PM - SLAF fighter jets, MI-24 helicopter gunships made successive ground-support air assaults at identified LTTE resistance positions and mobile units in general area Paranthan, today (Dec 31).

The air strikes were carried out since 12.30p.m, Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said. At 12.30p.m, MI-24 helicopter gunships made initial attacks at LTTE, followed by 2 consecutive raids East and South of the Paranthan junction at 12.45p.m., and 2.45p.m, respectively.

The raids were concentrated at LTTE resistance positions while another attack was carried out at an LTTE command post and 2 vehicles fitted with anti-air craft guns in the Paranthan junction. The command post was destroyed along with a vehicle Spokesperson, Wing Commander Nanayakkara said, adding that the other vehicle was also damaged in the air strike.
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Fall of Paranthan imminent; troops marching into the built up

12/31/2008 7:13:06 PM - Sri Lanka Army Task Force 1 troops are on the verge of scoring another historic victory by liberating the strategically located Paranthan town, reveal battlefield sources. Troops gained total control over the Thadduwankoddy and Komarikudakulam villages edging the Paranthan built up by last afternoon (Dec 30).

According to the battlefield reports, troops while advancing towards Paranthan had several confrontations with the terrorist in the area South of B-69 (Pooneryn- Paranthan) road during daytime. Heavy confrontations were reported around 9.30 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM resulting severe damages to the terrorist. Troops found 6 bodies of LTTE cadres during clearing operations.

Meanwhile, snipers deployed on the forward boundaries reported killing of 6 LTTE cadres during the day. Separate confrontations erupted around 7 to 7.30 in the evening elsewhere on the battlefront when troops made further advanced towards east. Troops claimed heavy damages to the terrorists

Defence observers are in the view that fall of Paranthan would open a gateway to the LTTE's last defences in the Vaddakachchi , and Puthukkudiyiruppu areas on the A-35 road (Paranthan- Mullaittivu).
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Fighting continues at the Kilinochchi built-up

12/31/2008 3:16:59 PM - Fighting broke out between troops and LTTE terrorists at the fringes of the Kilinochchi built-up yesterday (Dec 30), while military confirmed severe losses to LTTE during the confrontations.

Army forward domination elements have reportedly breached the heavily fortified LTTE defence lines in several locations North of Akkarayankulama and North of Iranamadu and taken the battles into the terrorist den, defence sources said.

57 Division troops entered the Kilinochchi built-up after intense fighting with LTTE

According to ground sources, terrorists have lost their dominance over the earth bund cum ditch surrounding Kilinochchi following days of heavy fighting with security forces.

The Kilinochchi battlefront is now more tensed as some of the fighting elements of the 57 Div have already entered into the Kilinochchi built-up and are engaging the terrorist hideouts.

Troops met with intermittent LTTE resistance during advances made in the area throughout yesterday, security sources further said.

Meanwhile, ground sources revealed that terrorists are resorting to cowardly tactics taking shelter at government buildings, schools and vacated offices of aid agencies aimed at evading military attacks also making way for collateral damage in the cause.

Counter terrorist operations are continuing in the area as troops make-way for an imminent victory in the battle for Kilinochchi, security sources said.
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Counter terrorist operations intensify as LTTE face defeat at Wanni

12/31/2008 6:04:38 PM - Multi-pronged counter terrorist operations continued at the Wanni battlefront, Tuesday (Dec 30) as 59 Division, Task Force -2, TF-3 and TF-4 troops made progressive advances in the areas of concern, security sources said. Troops of the 59 Division operating in general areas South of Chilawatte, East of Kanukkeni, Kulamurippu and Vattapalai met with intermittent LTTE resistances, the sources added.

Meanwhile, TF- 2 troops operating from the Vavuniya- Mullaittivu boarder confronted with LTTE terrorists in general area North of Periyamadu on several occasions, subsequently recovering a T-56 assault riffle, magazine and a 5kg claymore mine, security sources said.

T56 assault riffle
TF-3 troops also made effective advances into the non-liberated areas east of Karupaddamurippu yesterday, while separate confrontations with LTTE terrorists were reported in general area North of Admapan, at around 2.30p.m.

Also, TF -4 infantrymen observing an LTTE terrorist movement engaged small arms and mortar fire while military confirmed killing 4 terrorists in general area Oddusudan, Tuesday at 4.20 p.m.
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Army TF 1 less than 2 km from away Paranthan

12/30/2008 11:47:45 PM - Army Task Force 1 troops have beaten off the terrorists from Thadduwankoddy and Komarikudakulam areas lying 2 km West of the Paranthan junction this afternoon (Dec 30), battlefield sources said. According to the sources, troops have inflicted heavy damages to the terrorist and seized some of their weapons during the clashes prevailed in the area. With the progress made by the soldiers today the liberation of strategically important Paranthan town is imminent, the sources added.

A commanding officer inspecting a captured LTTE defence- West of Kilinochchi (30 Dec)

A soldier walking beside a captured LTTE bunker -West of kilinochchi(30 Dec)

Army 57 division soldiers have edged into the Kilinochchi built up

Meanwhile, troops of 57 Division has been able to extend their forward boundaries further towards the Kilinochchi town. Some of the fighting elements have already edged into the Kilinochchi built up, the sources in the filed said.
news @MoDSL

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