The Tigers declared their intent to continue armed struggle for an independent Tamil Eelam and refused to disarm. The IPKF soon found itself engaged in a bloody police action against the Tigers, which culminated in the rebels being cornered on the Jaffna Peninsula, at the northern end of the island. The IPKF set out to complete its mission of disarming the LTTE by taking Jaffna by force.
The Tigers vowed to persist in their armed fight for a separate Tamil Eelam and refused to lay down arms. The IPKF soon became embroiled in a violent confrontation with the rebels, which ultimately led to the insurgents being trapped on the Jaffna Peninsula at the northern tip of the island. The IPKF aimed to accomplish its goal of disarming the LTTE by capturing Jaffna through military force.