Since the resumption of violence, concerns were mounting among the military establishment that the strategically crucial[2] Sri Lanka Navy base in Trincomalee was under grave threat from LTTE gun positions located in and around Sampur, which lies across the Koddiyar Bay from Trincomalee.

Following the clashes in Mavil Aru (Mavil Oya) and Muttur (Mooduthara), the LTTE had intensified attacks targeting the naval base in Trincomalee,[4] and in a speech on 21 August, Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse made clear the government intentions were to neutralise the LTTE threat from Sampur .

[4] On 28 August, the Sri Lankan military launched an assault to retake the LTTE camps in Sampur, and the adjoining Kaddaiparichchan and Thoppur (Thuupapura) areas.

[citation needed] After steady progress, Sri Lankan security forces led by Brigade Commander Sarath Wijesinghe[5] re-captured Sampur (Somapura) from the LTTE on 4 September, and began to establish military bases there,[6] as the LTTE admitted that the army had control of the area and stated their cadres withdrew from the strategically important town.

LTTE also pointed out that this offensive was a violation of the Cease Fire Agreement by the Sri Lankan Military.