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Operation Viraat (Sanskrit:विराटVirāṭa, lit. "Operation Giant"), along withOperation Trishul, was an anti-insurgency operation launched by theIndian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) against theLiberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in April 1988 in theNorthern Province ofSri Lanka, in theElephant Pass and the districts ofMannar,Mullaitivu andVavuniya.[1]
The operation was planned as a result of the evolving doctrine among the Indian high command of conductingsearch and destroy missions against LTTE strongholds instead of holding key strong points. It utilized approximately 15,000 troops including armoured corps,paratroopers, as well as the infantry troops and army aviation.[citation needed]The operation achieved some success in disrupting LTTE operations, with seizures of weaponry and inflicting limited casualties among the LTTE cadres. By the end of summer 1988, these operations had forced the LTTE to move its stronghold, when it started to operate out ofNithikaikulam and adjacent riverine areas.[citation needed]
During the Operation Viraat, the IPKF uncovered well prepared LTTE defenses, including concrete bunkers with electric generators, as well as caches of arms and reserves. The IPKF also suffered in this unconventional warfare, with the LTTE frequently ambushing IPKF convoys and patrols.[1]