Burmese forces converge on rebel base

Burmese forces converge on rebel base

Heavy concentrations on Burmese troops near Chiangrai's Mae Fa Luang District opposite rebel forces in Loi Kawwan have been reported since yesterday by both Thai military and Shan sources. 

Freedom News, Shan State Army's publication, reported that as many as 14 infantry battalions with heavy weapons were being deployed and were believed to be preparing to launch attack against the SSA stronghold soon. 

Lt-Col Kawnzuen, commander of the Loi Kawwan-based Kengtung Force, Shan State Army, told S.H.A.N. this morning at least 16 infantry and light infantry battalions were being identified. "Previously, most of the Burmese units kept themselves north of the Monghsat-Tachilek road", he said. "But starting the end of May, they have been moving south of the road. And we are seeing at least ten 120 mm mortars around us." 

No Wa units appeared to be involved in the operation so far, he noted. During the action against the SSA last year, thousands of Wa fighters had participated in the Burmese assault against Pang Maisoong (opposite Chiangmai) and Loi Kawwan (opposite Chiangrai). 

Thai security officers, who had since last year predicted "an imminent offensive" against the Shans twice only to be "fooled" by subsequent inaction of the Burmese, have cautiously placed the prospects of hostilities at 75 percent. "In terms of manpower, training, arms and ammo and supplies, they are twice as battle-ready as they were last year," commented one. 

One observer in Chiangmai told S.H.A.N. "paranoid" Rangoon had been unhappy since news broke that Thailand had been sought out as a possible new base for US forces. How it was connected to the present operation against Shans, however, was not explained. 

Earlier on slaughts on Loi Kawwan by the Burma Army had ended in failure. The base is located south of the Thai-initiated Yawngkha crop-substitution project site in Monghsat Township. 

No Burmese movements, are reported opposite SSA's other border strongholds in the meanwhile. 

Battalions identified by SSA
1. Infantry Battalion 227 (Mongkhark)
2. Infantry Battalion 244 (Kengtung)
3. Light Infantry Battalion 221 (Monghpyak)
4. Light Infantry Battalion 311 (Mongyawng)
5. Light Infantry Battalion 327 (Mongkhark)
6. Light Infantry Battalion 331 (Tachilek)
7. Light Infantry Battalion 334 (Mongyawng)
8. Light Infantry Battalion 335 (Mongphayak)
9. Light Infantry Battalion 359 (Tachilek)
10. Light Infantry Battalion 360 (Mongpiang)
11. Light Infantry Battalion 526 (Tachilek)
12. Light Infantry Battalion 553 (Monghsat)
13. Light Infantry Battalion 554 (Monghsat)
14. Light Infantry Battalion 570 (Monghpyak)
15. Light Infantry Battalion 579 (Mongkok)
16. Light Infantry Battalion 580 (Mongkok)

The strength of each battalion is estimated at 200.