In 2009, the Sri Lankan government forces literally eradicated the Tamil Tiger insurgency after 26 years of civil war. This was the first time that a government had defeated an indigenous insurgency by force of arms. It was as if the British army killed thousands of IRA cadres to end the war in Northern Ireland. The story of this war is fascinating in itself, besides the international repercussions for ‘terrorism’ and insurgency worldwide. Many countries involved themselves in the war – to arm the combatants (China, Pakistan, India, and North Korea) or to bring peace (US, France, UK, and Norway).

While researching this work Professor Moorcraft was given unprecedented access to Sri Lankan politicians (including the President and his brother, the Defense Permanent Secretary), senior generals, intelligence chiefs, civil servants, UN officials, foreign diplomats and NGOs. He also interviewed the surviving leader of the Tamil Tigers.

His conclusions and findings will be controversial. He reveals how the authorities determined to stamp out Tamil Tiger resistance by whatever means frustrated the media and foreign mediators. Their methods, which have led to accusations of war crimes, were brutally effective but are likely to remain highly contentions for years to come.

"Charts recap organizational structures of the LTTE and of Sri Lanka's chief of national intelligence. A handy list recaps acronyms and abbreviations... Four pages of maps geographically and chronologically chart the conflict. And 24 pages of B&W photographs visually spice the stew. Student of counterinsurgency campaigns? Add this splendid study to your library. I loved it. Rabidly recommended!"

An informative and detailed account of how the Sri Lankan government’s forces succeeded
in 2009 in defeating the Tamil Tiger insurgency after 26 years of civil war. The author’s account
is based on extensive research in Sri Lanka, where he interviewed the country’s leading
politicians (including the President and his brother, the Defence Permanent Secretary), senior
generals, intelligence chiefs, civil servants, UN officials, foreign diplomats and NGOs. He also
interviewed the surviving leader of the Tamil Tigers.