Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Other units known as LRRPs can be found in international militaries, such as the LRRP unit trained and used by the Military Intelligence in Sri Lanka. Unconfirmed reports suggest training was provided by outside entities, such as the Green Berets, Navy SEALs, British SAS and the Israeli military. The LRRP has been very successful in covert operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists in the northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Its members were so successful in assassinating key LTTE figures that many LTTE leaders refused to come out of their jungle bunkers before the 2002 ceasefire was implemented. After the resumption of hostilities, it is believed that the LRRP units were conducting operations in the LTTE held northern province. The LTTE has accused the Sri Lankan Deep Penetration Units of launching attacks on LTTE leaders and civilians in their areas, although the Sri Lankan Government denies any involvement in these attacks. The teams have had success against LTTE leaders such as military intelligence leader Colonel Charles and many other leaders. Other success have included observing LTTE training camps and calling in air strikes. The LRRP's successes and dedicated operators have garnered a fearful reputation among the LTTE.

The former Sri Lanka Army commander General Sarath Fonseka had recently acknowledged that LRRP units were used to beat the LTTE at their own game.It was later revealed that LTTE, who were masters at jungle warfare refused to engage in combat and withdrew from their positions instead of holding the ground because of these elite soldiers. These units falls under 3rd Commando Regiment and 3rd Special Forces Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army. The LRP concept was initially developed by a Commando officer named Major Sreepathi Gunasekara who formed special recce unit called 'Delta Patrols' in the year 1986 which later formed as the LRRP Group and formed into LRP battalion at present.(Sri Lanka Army Special Forces Regiment). They along with other Special Forces units & Commandos (Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment) played a vital role in eliminating the LTTE. Sri Lanka's LRRP has also been a major cause of internal breakdown and eventual destruction of the LTTE as it has associated with creating rifts between the terrorists. It is one of the core units of Directorate of Military Intelligence (Sri Lanka). The Federal Bureau of Investigation has classified LTTE as among the most dangerous terrorist outfits in the world .