UNOSAT released satellite imagery from the last few days of the Civilian Safe Zone (CSZ) in Mulattivu district, Sri Lanka (Click on the image above to view a high quality PDF). The UNOSAT analysis finds:
There are clear indications that thousands of IDPS have moved into the northern half of the CSZ between 5 & 19 February 2009. A satellite-derived preliminary estimate based on automatic detection methods, indicates there are approximately 2,850 newly erected IDP shelter structures within the area designated PC9. This represents a minimum increase of over 100% from the total building count within CSZ of 2,600 as of 5/2/09. Because of incomplete imagery coverage over northern CSZ, there is a high probability that the IDP structure count is significantly higher. It is important to note that no newly erected IDP shelter structures were detected in the southern half of CSZ. There are several possible impact crater sites within the southern half of the CSZ, along with limited building damages.
Christopher R. Albon is a political science Ph.D. specializing in armed conflict, public health, human security, and health diplomacy.
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