Junta prepares counter attack against Shans

Junta prepares counter attack against Shans

A massive counter attack is being expected to begin soon against the Shan force that took an isolated Burma Army base opposite Chiangmai yesterday, said sources from the border. 

"200 civilian porters and 16 civilian trucks have already been rounded up this morning," said a source from Fang District, 170 km north of Chiangmai who has been monitoring the situation since the Shan State Army's combined force of Brigade 241 and Khunsang Tonhoong Column captured the Pakhee outpost, opposite Doi Angkhang during the predawn hours of Sunday. 

There are 4 battalions stationed in Mongton, apart from other units on rotation. They are IB 65, IB 225, IB 277 and LIB 519. 

Pakhee base is located 18 miles northeast of BP (Border Poses) 1. 

Apart from some Wa units, no other Burmese units were reported in the vicinity when the Shans made their attack. 

"The Burmese (military) probably believed Shans would hesitate to encroach the area long considered under Wa control," said another source.