Belligerents priming up for battle

Belligerents priming up for battle

The border 

Both Shans and their opponents Burmese-Wa troops have been assembling on the border area opposite Chiangrai, several sources report.

A commander from the Shan State Army, interviewed by S.H.A.N. by telephone, said: "There are three battalions around Loi Kawwan (Kengtung Front Force's headquarters) and they have been beefing up the past few days."

The three battalions are LIB 244 (Kengtung) near Pangnoon, LIB 359 (Tachilek) at Loi Maemaw and LIB 331 (Tachilek) on the Maesai, according to him. "If there is going to be any shooting, it'll will be with us," he said.

Earlier, another officer had speculated that the Burmese-Wa forces would launch an operation aiming at wiping out Kengtung Front's mobile unit commanded by Maj. Sangsaw, who was operating behind the lines in Hpaktumong.

Observers commented the operation could be in anticipation of the Thai-initiated crop replacement project for the Wa resettlers in Nayao, called Yawngkha by the Wa, northwest of Loi Kawwan.

Six six-wheelers carrying troops from LIB 332 and IB 282 had also arrived in Mongton, opposite Chiangmai, yesterday. The source however was not sure which direction they were headed. SSA's 727th Brigade commanded by Maj Ternkhurh and elements from Brigade 241, commanded by Lt-Col Khunjaw, are known to be active in the area.

Opposite Maehongson, the SSA, whose general headquarters is in Loi Taileng, is facing the Burma Army's 9 battalions and the United Wa State Army's 2 battalions: the 615th commanded by Ta Lu and the 616th commanded by Ah Htang. Both battalions are units from drug fugitive Wei Hsiaokang's Division 171, but their immediate boss in the area is Jalaw Bo, a Lahu officer, according to the sources.

The SSA and the Wa exchanged fire at Hwe Khaharn, north of Loi Taileng, on 29 January. "The clash lasted 15 minutes" said Col Khurhngern, Sao Yawdserk's second-in-command, "and when we pulled out afterwards, it was reported the Wa suffered 2 dead and 1 wounded." He claimed the SSA suffered no loss.

Thai border watchers told S.H.A.N. in the meanwhile they were watching closely the developments along the border. Paramilitary rangers from 32nd Regiment were said to have taken positions around Loi Kawwan also from the Thai side.