Fight at the border continues into second day

Fight at the border continues into second day 

The battle against Shans that began yesterday with assaults on a Shan base has extended for yet another day, said reports from the border. 

A joint junta-Wa effort to dislodge Shan fighters from Loilam, opposite Wianghaeng District, Chiangmai Province, since yesterday afternoon still fails to achieve its aim, said sources this morning. 

Loilam was where Yawdserk, Commander-in-Chief of the Shan State Army, held its drug bonfire ceremony late in 1998, announcing the Resistance's policy to struggle against drugs. 

As yet, S.H.A.N. has been unable to identify the junta units joining the battle. Until late October, there were only 7 battalions stationed in the area between Mongton and Mae-Aw, a village at the Shan State-Karenni and Thai triangle: 

• IB 225 Mongtaw- Monghta 

• IB 99 Homong

• LIB 249 Poongyam

• LIB 329 Khailong

• LIB 510 Namonlong

• LIB 525 Mae Aw 

• LIB 422 Nawngleng

On 4 November, LIB 330 from Mongphyak arrived in Khailong. Yesterday, 200 soldiers from Monghsat arrived in Mongton on its way to the battlefield. 

Unknown units were also reported to be crossing the Salween north of Homong. Although border-watchers suspected involvement of elements from LIDs (Light Infantry Divisions) 22,88 and 99, S.H.A.N. has not been able to verify this so far. 

Mahasang, leader of the non-ceasefire Wa National Organization, urged both the Shans and the United Wa State Army to halt the hostilities against each other. "Neither side is going to benefit from this," he said. "You are the loser if you win and you are the loser if you lose".