KNU Re-Attack Myanmar Soldiers in B

[RANGOONP@xxxxxxx]

Rebels Attack Myanmar Soldiers

By DON PATHAN
 .c The Associated Press  

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Ethnic Karen rebels battling Myanmar's military
government said Friday they had launched new attacks on Myanmar troops and
their guerrilla allies, killing 30 people. 

The Karen National Union said it launched six simultaneous attacks inside
Myanmar on Thursday morning along the rugged border with Thailand, the latest
in a month of raids by the rival forces. 

The Karen National Union has been fighting the Myanmar government for more
autonomy for the Karen minority for 50 years. It is opposed by the Myanmar
army and a pro-Myanmar splinter group, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army. 

The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army has launched a series of cross-border raids
over the past month against refugee camps sheltering 100,000 people inside
Thailand. Most are Karens and supporters of the Karen National Union. The
Myanmar army has attacked Karen National Union outposts inside Myanmar. 

Ner Dah, a Karen National Union commander, said that 300 fighters launched
attacks against their foes early Friday. 

The reports could not be independently verified. There was no immediate
comment from the Myanmar side. 

The Myanmar government has denied any involvement in the cross-border raids. 

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been ruled by the military since 1962. 

AP-NY-04-03-98 1357EST