KNU PRESS RELEASE NO 2/97 (Date: Fe

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Subject: KNU PRESS RELEASE NO 2/97 (Date: February 22, 1997)

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		K A R E N   N A T I O N A L   U N I O N   ( K N U)
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			KNU PRESS RELEASE No. 2/97  
			Date: 22nd February, 1997


		REGARDING THE 1997 SLORC OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE KNU
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The SLORC launched its general offensive against the KNU in 6th Brigade area on the 8th of February 1997.  Simultaneously, the SLORC launched an offensive against the KNU's Brigade 4 area.  The SLORC's Southern Command is led by Division Commander Thura S
it Maung, notorious for human rights abuse perpetrated against the civilian population in southern Burma.  In this offensive, battalions from Light Infantry Divisions (LIDs) 11, 22, 33, 55, 66 and 99 were deployed, having a combined strength of approximat
ely 3, 000 men, as well as the troops usually operating in the southern area.

The battle front news from KNU 4th Brigade area is as follows:

8th of February, 1997:
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A clash between SLORC (Burmese army) troops and Karen National Liberation Front (KNLA) troops took place at Mu Hta village.  SLORC casualties are unknown.

9th of February, 1997:
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The KNLA attacked SLORC troops near Mae Plu Kho village in KNU 4th Brigade area.  The battle began at 8.30 AM and lasted the whole day.  In this clash, 9 SLORC soldiers were killed, including one major, and 15 SLORC soldiers were injured.

10th of February, 1997:
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The KNLA ambushed SLORC soldiers at Kleh Gyu village.  One SLORC soldier was killed and two SLORC soldiers were injured.

11th of February 1997:
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The KNLA attacked the SLORC at Taung Thon Lone village.  Casualty numbers are unknown.  On the same day, KNLA soldiers ambushed SLORC soldiers at Po Se camp, near Maw Lo Kheh village.  the SLORC retaliated using 20 artillery shells.  Casualties are as yet
 unknown.

13th of February 1997:
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The KNLA ambushed SLORC troops at Yo Lay and Mae Moe Kay Klaw villages.  The battle began at 7.30 AM and lasted the whole day, leaving the SLORC with 18 men wounded or dead.  Three SLORC soldiers and seven porters fled the battle field.  The SLORC soldier
s tried to recapture the fleeing soldiers and porters, and then a new battle with the KNLA soldiers occurred.  Three SLORC soldiers were killed in this battle.  The run-away soldiers and porters were then executed by the commanding officers of the SLORC b
attalion.

15th of February 1997:
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The SLORC soldiers attacked the KNLA forces at Kwee Wah Wah village at 6.30 AM.  One KNLA soldier was injured.  SLORC casualties are unknown.  Fighting broke out again at 11.30 AM and 20 SLORC soldiers were killed, including one officer.  One KNLA soldier
 died and 5 were injured in this battle.

16th of February 1997:
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Clashes broke out between KNLA and SLORC troops at a position between Kwee Wah Wah and Nyah Plah Thu villages.  SLORC casualties are unknown.  KNLA troops suffered no casualties.

17th of February 1997:
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The KNLA captured a boat carrying SLORC military supplies and 10 sacks of rice and other military rations were seized.  On the same day, the KNLA attacked the SLORC soldiers at Maw Ma Pru mountain.  SLORC casualties are unknown.

18th of February 1997:
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A battle broke out again at Maw Ma Pru mountain at 9.00 AM., lasting the whole day and leaving the SLORC with 20 casualties.  The KNLA then captured 10 SLORC Navy boats carrying supplies.  On the same day the KNLA attacked the SLORC at Ta Nah P'Gaw Htah v
illage and the SLORC suffered 20 casualties in this battle.

19th of February 1997:
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The KNLA attacked SLORC soldiers at K'Htaw Nee area.  The SLORC suffered over 30 casualties.


Currently all over the KNU's 4th Brigade area, sporadic fighting is continuing.  The KNLA have had few casualties, yet injuries and deaths on the SLORC side have been high in number.  


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For more information : 
please contact  Pado Mahn Shar at 055 561 040 or 055 561 062
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