No. 09 - 10/2005
12 October 2005

War

Shan army reports on clashes

According to a recent statement by the Shan State Army-South, at least three major clashes with the Burma Army had taken place during the last month:

An SSA patrol from Loikawwan base, opposite Chiangrai province, had staged a surprise raid on a Burma Army camp near Loi Ood, between Mongpiang and Kengkham Long, on 15 September at 05:00 local time. The attackers managed to inflict heavy casualties and chase the defenders away before burning down 5 barracks, says the report.

The second clash was on 17 September in Mongpan, west of the Salween. No details were given, except that people were forbidden to go out of their villages while the Army combed the surrounding area in search of the rebels' area.

The third encounter took place on 19 September near the Loila hilltribe village of Kawngmon, Loi Tawkham tract, west of Tachilek. Following a 45 minute fight (15:00  15:45), the SSA troops found 8 dead soldiers left by the retreating Burma Army column. The SSA also seized 1 RPG, 1 M79, 1 M22, 2 M16 and 1 9mm pistol as well as more than 1,300 rounds of cartridges.

The report however could not be confirmed by independent sources.

The SSA and its new ally Shan State National Army that had returned to the struggle in May have been undergoing joint political and military training since September to prepare themselves against the expected dry season offensive by the Burma Army.