SSA Remains in the North

SSA Remains in the North 

The latest issue of the SSArmy News, the official bulletin of the Shan States Army, reported 9 engagements with the junta units in northern Shan State during the period from 30 June to 3 September.
The Northern Expeditionary Force, led by Ltc. Moengzuen, and composed of Brigade 758 and Hso Khan Fah Column, met and fought against the Burmese combined units killing 16, wounding 12 and capturing 7 assorted weapons, said the bulletin.

Altogether during their three month operations in the north, they have fought 12 engagements, according to the SSA reports. " Except for the one on 14 August, none could be regarded as significant actions," said the SHAN source close to the SSA. The SSArmy News reports:

" On 14/8/99, from 13:00 to 15:00 hrs., a combined SSA force including 3rd brigade, 16th brigade of SSA-North, 758th brigade, 154th battalion of Hso Karm Fah column led by Lieutenant Sai Ngo of SSA-South made a raid on the Burmese garrison at Wan Pan, Wan Pan tract, Hsipaw township, northern Shan State. The Burmese lost 6 troops, 4 assault rifles with 13 magazines, a complete map and a wireless set. SSA were intact." ( N.B. Both the 3rd Brigade and 16th Brigade are from the SSA-North that enjoys a ceasefire agreement with Rangoon.)

Yawdserk, the SSA's Commander-in-Chief, told SHAN during an interview,"There are few engagements, as our primary aim itself is not to wage a military campaign as yet, but to organize the people." ( Junta Beefing Up Militia to Counter Shan States Army, S.H.A.N, 13 September 1999)

Altogether, the SSA was engaged in 27 clashes during the period between 21 June - 9 September, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the local people were reported to be forced to supply the junta units with rice, chicken, cooking oil and even torchlights, according to the bulletin.