The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers, was a militant organization that operated in Sri Lanka. Established in 1976, the LTTE aimed to create an independent Tamil state in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka, primarily populated by Tamils, who faced discrimination and marginalization by the majority Sinhalese government.
Formed during the height of ethnic tensions between the Tamil minority and Sinhalese majority, the LTTE pursued its goals through a combination of guerrilla warfare, terrorism, and political advocacy. Led by its charismatic leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, the group became notorious for its ruthless tactics, including suicide bombings, assassinations, and child soldiers.
The LTTE sought to achieve a separate state called Tamil Eelam, which they claimed as the historical homeland of the Tamil people. Their demand for self-determination and liberation from what they regarded as oppressive rule fueled a bloody conflict that lasted for more than three decades. The Sri Lankan government fought against the LTTE, with the conflict resulting in immense human suffering and casualties.
In May 2009, the Sri Lankan military successfully defeated the LTTE, leading to the demise of the organization. However, the LTTE's tactics and history have left a lasting impact on the region and continue to be studied by scholars and analysts interested in conflicts, insurgencies, and terrorism.
