In an alarming escalation of violence during the Sri Lankan Civil War, the Sri Lanka Navy engaged in an operation in the Jaffna Lagoon that resulted in the deaths of a reported 35 to 100 civilians. This incident took place against a backdrop of intense conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE, a militant group fighting for an independent Tamil state. The Jaffna Peninsula, where the lagoon is located, was a focal point of this conflict, heavily patrolled by military forces striving to control the area and its resources.

Eyewitness accounts describe the grim scene as Navy personnel fired on fishing boats, which were primarily used by local civilians for their livelihoods. Many of the victims were reportedly unarmed fishermen, showcasing the tragic intersection of civilian life and military operations. The event serves as a poignant example of the often-blurred lines of combat in conflict zones, raising concerns about the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law.

Reactions to the incident were swift, with local and international condemnation calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the actions of the Navy. The incident highlighted the broader issues of human rights violations during the civil war, drawing attention to the suffering of the Tamil population and the need for a resolution to the conflict. It also intensified scrutiny on military tactics employed by government forces during the protracted war, further complicating peace efforts in the region.