Return to war
The IPKF withdrawal in 1990 removed a major military force from the conflict. Relations between the Government and LTTE deteriorated rapidly and open hostilities resumed.
Attacks against civilians
The period saw serious attacks against civilians. Human Rights Watch documented LTTE massacres of Sinhalese and Muslim civilians and the forced expulsion of Muslims from areas under LTTE control.
The Northern and Eastern fronts
Fighting affected Jaffna, the Vanni, the Eastern Province and strategic military and transport positions. Government forces and the LTTE conducted major military operations while civilians frequently found themselves caught between opposing forces.
Humanitarian consequences
Large numbers of people were displaced. Families experienced separation, disappearances, restrictions on movement and loss of homes and livelihoods. Serious human-rights violations were documented by multiple sources.
Historical note
This page is intended as a historical archive. Events involving the LTTE, government forces, civilians and other actors are presented separately where possible. Where casualty figures or historical interpretations are disputed, the page avoids presenting one estimate as unquestionable fact.