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Shan fighters encounter junta infantry
A Shan State Army (SSA) South patrol recently ran into its Burma Army opposite number on the Thai-Burma border, resulting in a five minute clash, according to the rebel bulletin.
By:
Lieng Lern
On 13 January 2008, an 8 men patrol from Khun Hsarng Ton Hung Column based in
Loi Taileng, the SSA's main base, by Sergeant Sai Korn encountered a patrol
from the Burma Army's Infantry Battalion (IB) 131 at Kawng Pek, 2 km north of Nawng Aw
village, opposite Maehangson's Pang Mapha district. The ensuing clash lasted 5
minutes, from 11:45-11:50 local time.
According to the bulletin, there was no casualty on the SSA side. Casualties on
the Burma Army's side were not known.
The SSA withdrew afterwards deciding that fighting was not on its agenda.
The report however could not be verified independently.
Since the dry season began in November, there has been an increase number of
clashes between the two sides.
On 30 December 2007, a
fight between the SSA's 362nd Battalion and the Burma Army's Infantry Battalion
143 at Tonglao, Mongkeung township, was reported.
Signs of an impending offensive are yet to be seen. The last offensive took
place in 2005, when the Burma Army- United Wa State Army retreated with heavy
losses.
The SSA South, as it is popularly known, was formed following the surrender of
the Mong Tai Army (MTA), led by the late Khun Sa, in 1996. It is reportedly the
strongest anti-junta armed resistance movement.
Villagers tortured for "not seeing" the rebels