Tigers getting ready for 'bloodbath'

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebels on Monday warned of a 'bloodbath' if the international community continued its 'soft approach' towards the Sri Lankan government, which they say was planning a large-scale military offensive against them.

The LTTE said their political wing leader S P Thamilselvan, during a routine monthly meeting with peace broker Norway's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Hans Brattskar, conveyed their concerns about stepped-up government attacks against them.

Thamilselvan said the rebels were aware of a military build-up in the district of Mullaitivu where the Tigers have their main military installations.

"Thamilselvan said the LTTE is also preparing to face an expected large-scale

Sri Lankan military attack in this area," the LTTE said in a statement.

"Thamilselvan said he emphasised to the ambassador that the present soft approach of the international community towards the government of Sri Lanka is not going to change its plans and will only contribute to a worsening situation leading to bloodbath in the island," the statement added.

More than 4,000 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and Tiger rebels over the past 15 months, despite a 2002 truce arranged by Norway. The guerrillas are fighting for an independent homeland for the minority Tamil community. More than 60,000 people have been killed in the conflict since 1972.