Commander killed in ambush

War

Commander killed in ambush

A Burma Army colonel was killed during a surprise attack by troops yet to be identified, according to a source close to the Army, reports Tai Touch from Chiangrai:

Col Khin Maung Hla, tactical commander in Monghsat, opposite Chiangmai province, was on his way back from Kengtung on 7 December, when an unknown hostile group of armed men opened fire on the convoy between Nampong and Mongtoom. Two other troops were killed and 7 wounded, said the source.

Both the Shan State Army of Col Yawdserk and the United Wa State Army are active in the area, apart from the Burma Army and Lahu militia units. The Thai-intiated Yawngkha drug-free project is also located in the vicinity.

So far no one has accepted responsibility. The Shan State Army senior members, who are holding their annual meeting, are also beyond reach.

"Some Burma Army officers are wondering whether it's the Wa," said the source. "The relationship between the two has been rather cool since the dismissal of Gen Khin Nyunt."

An unconfirmed report also say Bao Youxiang, the Wa chieftain, had gone ill after businesses in which he had invested with the ousted Burmese leader were impounded by the new government.