Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 4 - Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

Aka:  LTTE; Ellalan Force; Tamil Tigers.

Description:  The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was designated as an FTO on October 8, 1997.  Founded in 1976, the LTTE was a Tamil secessionist group in Sri Lanka.  Despite its military defeat at the hands of the Sri Lankan government in 2009, the LTTE’s international network of sympathizers and financial support has persisted.

Activities:  Although largely inactive since 2009, the LTTE was responsible for an integrated insurgent strategy that targeted key installations and senior Sri Lankan leaders.  In early 2009, Sri Lankan forces recaptured the LTTE’s key strongholds, including its capital of Kilinochchi.  In 2009, government forces defeated the last LTTE fighting forces, killed members of its leadership, including leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, and declared military victory.

There have been no known attacks in Sri Lanka attributed to the LTTE since 2009, but LTTE supporters and members have been arrested in India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka for allegedly planning attacks and fundraising for the LTTE.

Strength:  The LTTE’s precise numbers are unknown.

Location/Area of Operation:  Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia.

Funding and External Aid:  The LTTE’s financial network of support continued after the group’s military defeat in 2009.  The LTTE employed charities as fronts to collect and divert funds for its activities.

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