Shan commander: Junta troops routed in clash

War

Shan commander: Junta troops routed in clash

Shan State Army's Kengtung Front commander disclosed yesterday (19 August) that the Burma Army was given a sound beating during an 8-hour engagement on Wednesday (18 August).

"It was a surprise encounter," said Lt-Col Gawnzoen," but our troops rose up to the occasion".

According to him, a patrol from the SSA's 678th Battalion under the command of Captain Zarm ran into a 40-50 strong opposite number from the Mongtoom-based Light Infantry Battalion 553 led by Maj Kyaw Htike near the Palaung village of Nawngkheo, Mongloong Tract, Mongkok sub-township, Monghsat district, at 09:40.

During the ensuing fracas, which also involved an emergency force from LIB 554, that lasted until 18:00, the Burma Army "scattered in all directions," he said.

The SSA found 2 dead and captured 2 assault rifles, 10 M 79 shells, 10 RPG shells and 1,430 rounds of cartridges, among others. One of the dead soldiers was identified as Pvt Kyaw Thu Soe, Personal Number 950504, but the SSA was unable to place the other.

The Burma Army units in the area had been given full alert since, but as the battle had taken place some 60 km north of the border, where newspaper headlines are scarcely made, the SSA appears to be cool about retaliations. "But come what may, we are ready", he declared.

In the meanwhile, the local people were said to be jubilant about the outcome of the clash. "They have long been bullied and terrorized by the 553rd," said a businessman in Tachilek.

S.H.A.N.'s Show Business: Rangoon's War on Drugs in Shan State (December 2003) had also named LIB 553 as one of Rangoon's battalions providing security for drug refineries in the area.