Burma Army clashes with SSA

_{By Hseng Khio Fah
16 January 2009}

On 13 January, a 600 strong Burma Army attacked an SSA base west of the Mong Keung-Hsipaw road.

The clash lasted 7 hours from 09:00 to 16:00 until the Burma Army withdrew its troops, said a local source.

There has been no information on the casualties reported from either side, nor have there been any other details about the clash, though the clash was confirmed by all sources.

The SSA spokesman Hseng Merng said he is still waiting for more details.

More clashes between the Burma Army and SSA were reported at Nahi,  Khonglong and Loi Hsanian near the historic town of Panglong.

There are three SSA brigades reportedly active in the area. These are the 759th Brigade under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Kham Leng, Brigade # 198 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Hsang Wi and the Awng Pay Hseuk Force, under the command of Lt-Col Pawng Kherh.