Yawdserk: The quarrel is with Wei, not Wa

War

Yawdserk: The quarrel is with Wei, not Wa

Claiming the battle with the United Wa State Army's 171st Military Region is going on fine, Col Yawdserk, the leader of the non-ceasefire Shan State Army "South" has narrowed down his total attention to a showdown with just Wei Hsuehkang, the 171st's commander wanted on drug charges in both Thailand and the United States.

"I'm not fighting the Wa, only with Wei," said the SSA chief from his besieged base in Loi Taileng, opposite Maehongson's Pang Mapha district. "I have asked Panghsang (about the offensive) and they said 'What's happening down there?'"

Maj Ternkhurh, Commander of the SSA's Sanzu-based 727th Brigade opposite Chiangmai's Fang district, backed his superior's statement, by saying his relationship with the neighboring UWSA's 214th Brigade, commanded by Ta Roong, is neighborly if not exactly cordial. "I don't know if they are trying to keep me off guard, but I never have had any trouble with them," he said.

"Wei has a long history of jumping ships," continued Yawdserk. "First he was with Khun Sa. Then he left him to join Mahasang (of Wa National Organization), whom he ditched again to hook up with the UWSA. Now he thinks Panghsang is a lost cause and wants to play ball with Rangoon."

Wei Hsuehkang, 59, also known as U Sein Win and U Htun Ngwe in Burma, whose command of the 171st Military Region is still publicly denied by the UWSA leadership, is mostly based in northern Shan State's Tangyan township. The day to day affairs of his command is said to be managed by his younger brother Hsuehying.

The SSA has since 13 March has been defending itself against Wei's attacking troops, backed by the Burma Army. Wei has cited the disappearance of Sai Leng, a refinery owner, who had been contracted to build a strategic road across the Salween from Mongpan to Monghta, in mid-February as the reason. The SSA on the other hand, has disclaimed responsibility.

Since March the Wa have suffered about 400 casualties compared to 30 on Shan side, according to the SSA.