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BURMESE ARMY & DKBA PLAN TO ATTACK



For Immediate Release
Date: March 12, 1998


         BURMESE ARMY & DKBA PLAN TO ATTACK KNU & REFUGEE CAMPS


Burmese Army troops and its ally Democratic Karen Buddhist Army
(DKBA) are planning to attack the headquarters of the Karen
National Union's (KNU) 7th Brigade, according to escaped porters.

According to informed sources, Burmese army means to launch an
offensive against the KNU and occupy the 7th Brigade headquarters
before the celebrations of the 53th Anniversary of Burma's Armed
Forces Day.

The operation which is being led by Colonel Maung Toe from
Stragegic Command 3 based at Thaingan Nyinaung near Myawaddy on the
Thai-Burma border and Major Chit Thu, commander of the DKBA.

The combined troops of the Burmese army's Light Infantry Battalion
12, 119 and 111 and the DKBA numbering over 700, along with more
than 200 porters and DKBA soldiers began their operation against
the areas of KNU's 7th brigade on February 27, 1998. The porters
told the ABSDF that the Burmese troops attacked from the direction
of Lei Paw region.

At the same time Burmese army troops from Infantry 4 and 42 under
the command of Tactical Command 333 and DKBA soldiers led by Major
Maung Soe planned to attack the 7th brigade area from the direction
of Tar Lei and Mae La. The porters told the ABSDF that the group
had about 400 soldiers and 160 porters.

Aside from launching an offensive against the KNU, the refugees
living in Mae La, also known as Baegalaw camp were concerned about
the report that DKBA would attack them during the offensive.

According to a refugee living in this camp the refugees are more
worried about their safety after recent attack against the Huay
Kalok refugee camp, which resulted in two deaths, 30 injuries, and
the destruction of almost all of the houses in the camp.

All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)

For more information please call 375-0479.

Latest News: Approximately 300 DKBA and Burmese army troops have
intruded into Thailand near Mae La refugee camp since last night.