Burma Army Counter

Burma Army Counter-Attacks Shans 

Commander of the Kengtung Front reported Burma Army had resumed their attacks against Shan positions after the latter's ambush which led to the seizure of 400,000 amphetamine tablets on Monday. 

IB 331 of Tachilek, reinforced by IB 316 of Ta-lerh, reopened its attacks on the Shan State Army's positions at Loi Maemaw, opposite Mae Faluang District, Chiangrai Province, at 17:00 until 20:30. "Their casualties are not known", said Maj. Kham Hpamong a.k.a Kornzuen, Commander of the Kengtung Front, in a telephone interview. "For us, the only losses we have sustained so far were on Monday (13 December) when Sergeant-Major Pi was killed and one private was wounded". 

The battle began when Black Panther's Claws Column 1, commanded by Capt. Liangzuen, ambushed a drug convoy escorted by elements from IB 331 and the Nampoong militia unit, on 13 December, when they killed 5, wounded 1, and captured 1. 

Among the loot, apart from the arms and ammo, were 4 haversacks, each containing 100,000 amphetamine tablets, which were handed over to the Thai officials two days later. 

The Burmese army then shelled and charged the Shans' fire bases in Loi Maemaw, beginning 14:30 on Wednesday, 15 December, until 18:00. "But the attack was repulsed", he said. 

"If S.H.A.N.'s reporters are not afraid, they should be with us like those from Channel 3, Channel 7 and ITV", he challenged mockingly. 

Two other mobile columns, Black Panther's Claws 2 and Black Panther's Claws 3, are commanded by Capt. Kham Khawng and Capt. Khamsa respectively. 

"The SSA's campaign against drugs has been styled 'Operation White Tiger'", he explained. 

"We expect another attack at dawn", he added. "But I'm not worried, because all of us are in high spirits".