Rangoon launches offensive against Shans

Rangoon launches offensive against Shans

As Thai and Burmese generals sit down to discuss forging peace with non-Burman armed movements in Thailand, the Burma Army has been waging a military operation against the Shan State Army of Col Yawdserk in central Shan State, reported a rebel source.

"This operation involves 28 Burmese battalions," the source quoted his commander-in-chief as saying.
It is believed that the main objective of the operation is to block the rebels, including over 500 recruits, from crossing the Salween into SSA-controlled strongholds along the Thai-Burma border.

Meanwhile, Rangoon has also contracted the Wa-owned Hongpang Company to build "a strategic road" from Monghsat through Mong-kook and Mongloong to Mongtoom, a distance of 100 miles. Hongpang's Nay Win and Cho Oo from the highway survey department were seen departing from Monghsat to Mongtoom yesterday, according to a border watcher.

Nayao, also known as Yawngkha, where the Thai development project for Wa resettlers has been chosen, is in the Mongtoom area. A few miles further south is the SSA enclave of Loi Kawwan, opposite Chiangrai province.
"The noose is tightening against the Shans," commented the border watcher.

Update

Maj Ternkhurh, Commander of Brigade 727 that is active in Mongton township, opposite Chiangmai Province, confirmed seizure of 14,000 yaba pills yesterday together with a dead Lahu hilltribeman from Wiang Papao District, Chiangrai Province.

"It was Captain Ba Htoon's Battalion 401 that surprised the 3 drug traffickers," he said. "Two of them, though wounded, managed to escape with their goods."

The SSA patrol also found 1 M20 pistol and 1 hand grenade on the body of the dead Lahu, who was identified as Jamu.