New battalions against Yawdserk

War

New battalions against Yawdserk

Reporter: Hawkeye

The Burma Army's Triangle Region Command, based in Kengtung, has recently formed 3 new infantry units thereby totalling at least 43 battalions against the Shan State Army forces in eastern Shan State, according to border sources:
"The three were reported as Infantry Battalion 111, Light Infantry Battalion 666 and another (unidentified)", a Thai military source told S.H.A.N.. "They were created out of 20 enlisted men each from the existing battalions east of the Salween, and placed under the command of the Monghsat station."

The SSA's Kengtung Force, active in five townships, namely, Kengtung, Mongyawng, Monghpyak, Monghsat and Tachilek, are already facing an 18-battalion search-and-destroy operation against them.

According to young officers from the SSA, hit-and-run clashes have already become routine since its campaign to reestablish influence among the local populace began last November. Informed sources however noted 7 major clashes during the last two months:

• Two in Mongtoom tract, Monghsat township
• One in Monghai, Monghpyak township
• One in Mongnim, Monghsat township
• Three in Loi Tawkham, Tachilek township

Border sources have reported heavy casualties on the Burma Army's side. Exact figures, however, were not available.

The SSA's Kengtung Force is reported to be a battle-hardened unit. It has already withstood three offensives by the Burma Army, backed by the United Wa State Army, from the year 2000-2002.