Battle escalating

Battle escalating

As Shans and the Burma Army battled for the possession of a strategic mountain for the fourth day, clashes in other locations along the border are also being reported. 

Explosions and gunfire were heard by people in Fang, Chiangmai Province, since 05:00 until 18:00 yesterday. "It was not just Pakhee further south, but also at Loisarng near BP-2 (Border Pass Two)," said a source in Fang. No details were available, however, except that some Wa contingents who were with the junta attacking force kept reminding the Shans through the walkie-talkie that they had been forced to come. 

Three 120 mm mortar shells fell inside Thai territory and the Thai Army responded by firing 10 mortar shells to warn both warring sides, said a Thai source. 

A source from inside Shan State also reported another ambush along the Mongton - BP1 highway. It took place at Namhu Pakoy just south of Maeken, 15 miles from Mongton, that killed 3 Burmese soldiers and 1 militiaman, Kawlingta of Nakawngmu. 

The battle in Loi Kawwan, opposite Mae Fa Luang District, Chiangrai Province, long disengaged, had also resumed at 13:00 hours yesterday, according to a source there. Local Shan State Army officials could not be contacted however to give more details. 

Reporting time: 07:00.

Some shells fell in the 3-days a week market at BP-1, between Mongton of Shan State and Chiangdao of Thailand yesterday, prompting Thai authorities to close down the market indefinitely. The market visited by people from both countries is normally open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 

Another source confirmed that the Burma Army fired 9 mortar shells at Loi Kawwan yesterday but no further attacks followed and the Shans commanded by Lt-Col Kawnjuen, did not retaliate. 

Reporting time: 08:00 hrs.