Wa: It's Wei's war

War

Wa: It's Wei's war

The brief fighting that broke out on 13-14 March between the Shan State Army of Col Yawdserk and the United Wa State Army, which many observers have predicted was a prelude for more to come, was fugitive druglord Wei Hsuehkang's own doing and nothing to do with the Wa as a whole, according to a Shan ceasefire source returning from the Wa capital Panghsang yesterday:

"Panghsang does not have a policy to fight against any groups in Shan State," a high ranking source from the group told S.H.A.N. during the brief interview. 'It's Wei Hsuehkang's own private war".

The disclosure corresponds with a similar claim from a Shan businessman from Panghsang who was on a visit in Chiangmai last week: "If anybody tells you Pangshang is planning to fight Sao Yawdserk, he's an out-and-out liar."

Three clashes between the SSA and Wei's fighters from his 171st Military Region in the area across Maehongson resulted in 2 dead on the SSA's side. The Wa had maintained that 8 of their men were abducted by the SSA last month and were demanding their return. To which the Shans denied any knowledge.

Meanwhile, a source from Mongton, opposite Chiangmai, who just returned from Mongpan, its twin town on the west bank of the Salween, reported coming across three 105 mm howitzers arriving at the command post of Artillery Battalion 332 at Loi Bawma, one mile east of the town, on 14 March. "These are 'presents' for Yawdserk," an officer boasted to the source. The gun has a range of 10.5km.

It was earlier reported that Wei had been promised rations, ammo and artillery support in his war against the SSA. "I am sure he has cut a separate deal with Rangoon," commented a veteran border watcher.

The Shans have 4 main bases on the Thai-Burma border:

• Loi Taileng - opposite Pang Mapha district, Maehongson province

• Loi Lam - opposite Wiang Haeng district, Chiangmai province

• Loi Sanzu - opposite Fang district, Chiangmai province

• Loi Kawwan - opposite Mae Faluang district, Chiangrai province

The latter two bases reported only routine movements on the Wa side. The Wa base near Sanzu is manned by 214th Brigade, a unit not under Wei's command.

Related reports:

Shan, Wa dance to junta tune, 14 March 2005

A lull before the storm, 17 March 2005