Female Bomber Kills 8 in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A female suicide bomber disguised to look pregnant blew herself up in front of a car carrying Sri Lanka's highest-ranking general, killing eight people and badly injuring the top officer.

Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka suffered serious abdominal injuries, underwent surgery and was in stable condition after the brazen attack on the army's heavily fortified headquarters, military and medical officials said.

The army general's driver and escort and 27 people, including a number of civilians, were wounded, spokesman Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe said. It was not clear if any other top Sri Lankan military officials were hurt, or if the eight killed included the bomber.

Police blamed Tamil Tiger insurgents, who often have used women to carry out suicide attacks in their long fight for a separate homeland.

Chron

I am fascinated that the fact that women might believe in a cause is never assumed, while it is nearly always assumed for male suicide bombers.

The truth is probably that a certain percentage of men and women - and kids - are there by force.

their missions voluntarily. One sees a good deal of blather aimed at vitiating that point, and it is no doubt true that various modes of pressure are sometimes applied; but nevertheless, it is obvious that the most desirable suicide bomber is one that is sane, intelligent, and highly motivated; and that appears to be the case in many instances.

LTTE has a reputation for using children as soldiers, and also for deadly use of female suicide bombers.

There has been a cease-fire in effect for the last several years. I think one may assume that is over now.

Or "they used terrorist cells" without it really meaning that they didn't believe in the cause.