More Wa on their way

War

More Wa on their way

Eight ten-wheel trucks carrying 200 Wa troops arrived in Mongton, opposite Chiangmai, yesterday evening on their way to the Loi Taileng battlefield further west, opposite Maehongson.

"This is only the first batch," boasted an officer from the United Wa State Army who stopped to buy cigarettes at an unnamed village. "You can expect 800 more coming down from Panghsang in a few days."

This is the first time troops from Panghsang, the Wa capital on the Chinese border will be taking part in the fighting that began in March. Some 800 fighters from Wei Hsuehkang's 171st Military Region have already arrived at the Wa lines facing Shan State Army positions in Loi Taileng, across Maehongson's Pang Mapha district.

The SSA is also reportedly holding a crisis meeting. S.H.A.N. has been unable to reach any senior officials for comment.

Related News: Wa bucking up for a new showdown, 9 May 2005