The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a militant organization in Sri Lanka that sought to create an independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam. Founded in 1976, the LTTE emerged in response to the marginalization of the Tamil ethnic group by the Sinhalese-majority government. The group was known for its use of guerrilla warfare and suicide bombings. The LTTE was involved in a protracted civil war against the Sri Lankan government, which lasted nearly three decades. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of people. The Sri Lankan military defeated the LTTE in 2009, leading to the end of the civil war.