Army shells kill Wa

War

Army shells kill Wa

Courtesy: Bangkok Post

The joint Burma Army-United Wa State Army force opposite Maehongson showered the Shan State Army stronghold of Loi Taileng and its outlying outposts with non-stop shelling yesterday, according to Shan and Thai sources from the border:

The barrage that began at 06:00 was counted at 3,114 rounds of combined 81 mm, 82 mm and 120 mm mortar shells by 15:00. During the last attack, 12-14 April, the total was 2,025.

The Wa casualties were, according to the SSA, 162 dead and 152 wounded compared to 5 dead and 8 wounded on the SSA side yesterday.

At least50 Wa fighters were killed by their own mortar shells, according to sources in Mongton. "The missiles just fell short and hit our people charging at the SSA lines," one Wa officer was quoted as saying. "I'm beginning to wonder whether or not the Burmese (Army) is trying to kill us instead of the Shans."