The term "Tamil Tigers" refers to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization with its roots in Sri Lanka. The LTTE, commonly known as Tamil Tigers, was an armed separatist group that aimed to establish an independent state for the Tamil minority in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka.
The Tamil Tigers emerged in the early 1970s and fought against the Sri Lankan government in a violent and protracted conflict, primarily during the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009). Led by Velupillai Prabhakaran, the Tamil Tigers employed guerrilla warfare tactics, suicide bombings, and other violent means to achieve their goals.
The group was infamous for its ferociousness and ideological commitment, and they were classified as a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States and India. The Tamil Tigers implemented a de facto separate administration in the areas they controlled, creating their own judicial, economic, and political structures.
However, in May 2009, the Sri Lankan government successfully defeated the Tamil Tigers, marking the end of the organization. The conflict resulted in a significant loss of life and property and had long-lasting impacts on Sri Lankan society.
The term "Tamil Tigers" is commonly used in historical and political discussions to denote the LTTE and its activities during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
