The LTTE has 15,000 to 17,000 cadres, but only a small percentage of this number is battle hardened, the Island Newspaper reported, quoting unnamed sources.

The strength of sea tigers is around 1,500 and the others (in LTTE) are mostly new recruits who have yet to face the litmus test, it said quoting sources.

Since the LTTE is finding arms and ammunition hard to come by, it is banking on home-made mortar and artillery with a firing range of about two kilometers, the sources claimed.

"The LTTE lost about 80,000 tons of mortar and artillery when seven of its Wanni bound ships were sunk by the Navy in the recent past. Three of its aircraft were destroyed during raids by the Air Force and 25 of their self-styled lieutenants have been killed. The LTTE is cornered and can do nothing about it," the sources were quoted as saying.