The deadline set by the Sri Lankan government for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to surrender or face a "final assault" has passed without the LTTE surrendering. The ultimatum, which was set for noon (06:30 GMT) on Tuesday, caused tens of thousands of civilians to leave the island nation's northeastern war zone, the military said.
More than 49,000 people have poured out of region since the 24-hour deadline was given on Monday.
Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, a military spokesman, said on Tuesday: "So far 49,054 people have come out and still people are coming in. Troops are expanding the area under their control."
There was no response to the deadline from the LTTE.
Lakshiman Hulugalle, a Sri Lankan defence ministry spokesman, told Al Jazeera that a post-deadline military plan had not yet been finalised.
"What we have requested the LTTE leaders and LTTE cadres is to lay down arms and surrender themselves. So when we start operations, the LTTE leaders have to face that and they have no option but getting killed," he said.
International organisations continue to highlight the vulnerability of citizens in the area, whose safe passage out of the region the government had promised on Monday.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Tuesday that between 50,000 and 100,000 people remain stranded in a 17km square "no-fire zone" - the last region controlled by the LTTE.
More than 49,000 people have poured out of region since the 24-hour deadline was given on Monday.Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, a military spokesman, said on Tuesday: "So far 49,054 people have come out and still people are coming in. Troops are expanding the area under their control."
There was no response to the deadline from the LTTE.
Lakshiman Hulugalle, a Sri Lankan defence ministry spokesman, told Al Jazeera that a post-deadline military plan had not yet been finalised.
"What we have requested the LTTE leaders and LTTE cadres is to lay down arms and surrender themselves. So when we start operations, the LTTE leaders have to face that and they have no option but getting killed," he said.International organisations continue to highlight the vulnerability of citizens in the area, whose safe passage out of the region the government had promised on Monday.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Tuesday that between 50,000 and 100,000 people remain stranded in a 17km square "no-fire zone" - the last region controlled by the LTTE.
Courtesy: Al Jazeera
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