When was the LTTE vanquished?

The LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), also known as the Tamil Tigers, was a separatist militant organization based in Sri Lanka. The LTTE fought a long and violent insurgency against the Sri Lankan government with the aim of establishing an independent Tamil state in the northern and eastern regions of the country.

The defeat of the LTTE is a significant event in the history of Sri Lanka and the Tamil separatist movement. The LTTE was finally vanquished in the year 2009, marking the end of the civil war that lasted for almost three decades.

1. Background of the Conflict:
The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the grievances of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka, who felt marginalized and discriminated against by the Sinhalese-dominated government. The LTTE emerged in the early 1970s as a militant group advocating for Tamil rights and independence.

2. Escalation of Violence:
Over the years, the conflict escalated into a full-scale civil war, with both sides engaging in brutal tactics. The LTTE carried out numerous suicide bombings, assassinations, and guerrilla attacks, while the Sri Lankan military launched military operations to suppress the insurgency.

3. International Involvement:
The conflict gained international attention due to its high human rights toll and the LTTE's innovative use of suicide bombings. Several attempts were made to broker a peace agreement between the two sides, but they ultimately failed.

4. Final Offensive and Defeat of the LTTE:
In 2006, the Sri Lankan government launched a major offensive against the LTTE in order to reclaim the territories controlled by the rebels. The military campaign, known as "Operation Definite Victory," intensified in the following years.

5. Events Leading to the Vanquishing of LTTE:
In 2009, the Sri Lankan military made significant gains, pushing the LTTE into a small strip of land in the northeastern part of the country. The government declared a "no-fire zone" to protect civilians trapped in the conflict zone, but there were allegations of both sides committing human rights violations.

6. End of the Civil War:
On May 18, 2009, the Sri Lankan military declared victory over the LTTE after capturing their last stronghold in Mullaitivu. The LTTE's leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, was killed in the final stages of the conflict.

7. Aftermath and Reconciliation:
The end of the civil war brought some relief to the country, but it also left deep scars. The Sri Lankan government faced international criticism for alleged human rights abuses during the conflict. Efforts have been made since then to promote reconciliation and address the grievances of the Tamil community.

In conclusion, the LTTE was vanquished in 2009 after a lengthy and violent civil war. The conflict had a significant impact on Sri Lanka, and the aftermath continues to shape the country's political and social landscape.