Wa reaches for costly victory

War

Wa reaches for costly victory

The United Wa State Army's Wei Hsuehkang-led 171st Military Region threw more than a thousand missiles at the twin Shan bases across Maehongson's Pang Mapha district yesterday but still unable to seize any vital positions, reported Shan and Thai sources:

"The Wa appear to be enjoyin unlimited access to both firepower and manpower," observed one of the liaison officers to the Shan State Army defenders at Loipook Hsarm-ngarm and Kawng-kha bases, opposite the Thai village of Mailan, this morning.

Altogether, the Wa attackers had launched 1,046 82mm and 120mm mortar shells against the Shan positions, and made several full frontal attacks costing them 84 dead and 146 wounded, in contrast to the Shans who sustained 5 wounded throughout the day. No confirmation on the casualty figures however could be obtained from independent sources. "The Wa are certain to lose more men as they were storming without cover against an enemy behind shelter," a Maehongson-based Thai newsman who was covering the event told S.H.A.N..

As yet the Burma Army's contribution to the ongoing hostilities is still limited to providing rations and ammunition, said a Chiangmai-border based liaison officer.

The attacks have resumed today at 08:20. "The whole country except here is pouring one another with water today," a fighter was quoted as saying. "But we are doing it here with bullets."

13 April marks the annual water festival in Burma, Thailand, Laos and China's Yunnan province.

Elsewhere along the border, the SSA's three other principal bases: Loilam across Chiangmai's Wiang Haeng district, Sanzu across Chiangmai's Fang district, and Loi Kawwan across Chiangrai's Mae Fah Luang district have been on full alert since yesterday but so far attacks from either the Wa or the Burma Army have yet to materialize.

The Wa's last full scale war on the Thai border took place in Doilang-Mongyawn area, opposite Mae Ai district, Chiangmai province, 1989-96, against Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army. The area was lost to the Wa following Khun Sa's surrender to the Burma Army on 7 January 1996. "We were never defeated on the battlefield," argued a former MTA commander who is living in retirement in Chiangrai's Ban Hintaek, Khun Sa's former stronghold. "But when Gunyawd mutinied in 1995, our troops deserted their positions and the Wa were able to occupy them without a fight. The Thai blockade of our bases along the border was also another factor. Prices of basic commodities were so high they depleted our available funds."

Related Report: Wa bombards Shan positions,12 April 2005