Shan retire under bombardment

Shan retire under bombardment

Shan State Army fighters retreated from the heavily bombarded hill of Honok to nearby Pahkee base before dawn today (2 May), said S.H.A.N. source from the border. 

The Burma Army, throwing in all their heavy weapons, saturated Honok Hill opposite Ban Nawlae, Mawnpin Tract, Fang District, beginning 03:00 this morning. The Shans, with few bunkers and entrenchments, were forced to abandon the hill at 04:00. 

According to a statement by the Shan State Army, it had accomplished its two-fold mission: to prove that the Burmese military is involved in drug production and trade and to avenge the death of 14 civilians by the Burma Army on 2 March. "The place is of no strategic importance to us and we had not planned to remain in the area longer than it is necessary". 

The Triangle Regional Command with headquarters in Kengtung was reported to have employed up to 18 battalions for the latest operation, said an SSA official.