Outcome of Shan

Outcome of Shan-Junta Battle: 13 Killed 8 Wounded?  

According to local junta's disclosure yesterday, troops that launched a 5 day operation against the Shan resistance suffered 13 dead and 8 wounded, though sources put the figures much higher, said SNA from eastern Shan State. 

Local sources told SNA that 2 ten-wheelers were requisitioned by the authorities in Tachilek, opposite Maesai District, Chiangrai Province yesterday, to haul the casualties from Nampoong, the headquarters of the local militia about 40 km. west. "Although they (the authorities) said there were 13 killed (5 soldiers, 7 militiamen) and 8 wounded, nobody believed it", said SNA. "'There must be at least 20 killed and 30 wounded', they said". 

The casualties were the result of the operation waged against the Shan State Army of Yawdserk, from 15-19 December at Loi Maemaw, opposite Mae Faluang District, Chiangrai Province. 

The SSA, on the other hand, suffered only 1 wounded, according to Saengjuen Sarawin, S.H.A.N.'s reporter at the battlefield. It was supported by a Thai reporter who remained at the location throughout the battle. 

The Shans moved out of the battlefield after a successful counter attack was launched past midnight on 19 December. "We are not going to fight a static battle", said Kham Hpamong a.k.a Kornzuen, commander of the Kengtung Front, Shan State Army. 

Junta troops that moved in the following day reportedly sent word to the local Thai troops that they might be crossing over the boundary in their search for stragglers who might be taking refuge in the Thai territory. "But the Thais replied they needed to ask authorization from their superiors first", said Saengjuen. "The Burmese left without further ado". 

Both the Thai military and civilians, however, feared the junta troops might leave boobytraps and mines behind. Burmese mines have killed and wounded several Thai nationals along the Thai-Burma border for the past few years. 

The battle broke out after Shan troops attacked a drug caravan reportedly escorted by the militia unit under the protection of the local junta battalion on 13 December. The seized drugs (400,000 amphetamine tablets) were turned over to the Thai authorities two days later.