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KNU Report, February 11,1997



Situation Update on Thai-Burma Border
February 11,1997

On 10 February 1997, Slorc's General Khin Nyunt announced that the Karen
National Union had broken off negotiations and that Slorc would always
welcome any ethnic group that was willing to hold negotiations with open
arms.

This same day eye-witnesses reported between 350-400 army trucks arriving in
the border town of Myawadi opposite Maesot. These are troops of the 88
division of the Slorc army. These eye-witnesses also reported hearing 

that the troops were given orders to use any means to try to eliminate the
KNU including entering Thai territory as deep as needed. The troops were also
told not to take notice of the Thai military as it was a force too weak to be
taken into consideration and eliminate any resistance in the way of their
objective whether it may be the Thai army or Thai civilians. The Slorc
foreign ministers would then smooth things out with the Thai government.

As of 11 February 1997, Troops of the 88 division have left Myawadi. The 77
Division have left Paloo to attack the KNU headquarters at Hteekable. The 44
and 22 divisions have left Kya-In-Seik Kyi to attack the KNU 6th Brigade
headquarters at Sakanthit. The 66 division is sent to reinforce the 3 pagodas
pass. There have already been 2 battles near the Hteekable area and Slorc
artillery battalions have set up positions within range of the Hteekable
camp. Air support by the Slorc air force is also expected.

A large number of porters rounded up from the villages and towns and
prisoners from the various prisons have been brought up for this offensive by
the Slorc. As most of the Karen refugee camps are on the border within range
of Slorc artillery and since air raids are expected, Thai officials have
issued orders for the refugees to evacuate  and move to safer areas.


KNU Information Center

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