COLOMBO, March 5: The LTTE on Monday warned that Colombo was courting a ‘national disaster’ by attempting to attack rebel held territory in the northern Mullativu region, claiming there would be a ‘catastrophic bloodbath’ if the military carries out attacks on the rebel base.

"We are aware that the Sri Lanka Army has amassed military hardware close to Manalaru in preparation for a major offensive towards the Mullativu area. Consequence of this offensive will be a catastrophic bloodbath across Sri Lanka," Tiger guerilla political wing leader S. P. Thamilchelvam, was quoted by the pro-rebel website as telling visiting Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar.

“We have affirmative indications from our military command and reports from our intelligence sources that the Sri Lankan military has deployed military hardware and troops in Manalaru area, in preparation of a major offensive. Our forces have been placed on high alert across Vanni,” Thamilchelvam said.