Rebels gained control over Elephant Pass in 1996 , established a military garrison there . Military making significant progress to recapture rebel strongholds . 1983 troops regained control of key northern town of Mullaittivu . The civil war has left more than 70,000 people dead . Tamils want independent homeland , war since 1996 has left At least 14 dead .
Rebels gained control over Elephant Pass in 1996 , established a military garrison there . Military making significant progress to recapture rebel strongholds . 1983 troops regained control of key northern town of Mullaittivu . Tamils want independent homeland , war since 1996 has left At least 14 dead .