Burma army battle ready

Burma army battle ready

Since the battle of Pang Maisoong fought near the border between the Shan rebels and Burma Army last May, the latter's battle readiness has doubly improved, said a Thai border security official. 

"We would consider its preparedness at 80% now," said the officer, who declined to be identified, drawing attention to reports of Rangoon's intensive battle and arms trainings, increased supplies and shipment of arms, equipment and ammunition from abroad, notably China and India. 

"Its manpower has also increased noticeably," he continued. "In the past, each battalion barely managed 100-frontline troops, Now each of them can field at least 250. For instance, before Pang Maisoong, the total strength of Infantry Battalion #43 of Mongpiang was less than 300. Now it has 430 and can deploy 270 for the front line anytime." 

Shan State Army officers, however, pointed out that more child soldiers were being identified. Of three of the soldiers who defected to the SSA last month, one of them, San Min Oo, was only 17. Thai soldiers in Chiangmai's Wianghaeng District also confirmed seeing several boy soldiers on the Burmese side. "It is doubtful how high their morale is," said one. 

Burma has the largest number of child soldiers, as many as 70,000, and some as young as 11, according to Human Rights Watch report released on 16 October. Armed opposition groups use child soldiers as well, it says.