4 killed in Shan ambush

4 killed in Shan ambush

Four Burmese soldiers were killed when a convoy was waylaid by Shan rebels on Monday (18 March) 100 miles north of the Chiangmai border.

The convoy from LIB 519 was on their way from the Salween crossing of Tasarng to their command post at Wanna, 1 mile northwest of Mongton, when they were attacked by a 15-men patrol from the Shan State Army between 11:00 - 11:30 just 4 miles out of Tasarng. (Mongton is 52 miles from Tasarng).

"The rebels took time to seize 1 automatic rifle and 1 pistol from the dead soldiers and burn the six-wheeled truck, while withstanding a counter-attack from the Burmese troops before they retired," reported the source who was at the weekly market at Border Pass-1, near Nawng Ook, Chiangdao District, Chiangmai province yesterday.

The SSA, confirming the report, added that the patrol was led by Corporal Yazing from Hso Khanfah Column, one of its three mobile forces known for their swift actions.

Freedom News, the SSA's official bulletin, also reported another attack launched by the same patrol on IB 225 command post 1 mile south of Mongton, on Tuesday (19 March).

The visitors at the market however were not able to confirm the SSA claim that "at least 3 of the enemy were hit."
Mongton has 4 battalions. IB 65 is 6 furlongs northeast of the town and IB 277, 1 mile southwest.