Recent Clash Between Junta and Shan

[shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: Recent Clash Between Junta and Shan Rebels led to Campaign: 

17 September 1999 

Recent Clash Between Junta and Shan Rebels led to Campaign 
The source who just fled across the border from the Shan State told S.H.A.N.
that the misfired ambush last month by the junta troops on the Shan rebels had
brought about the present campaign across the Thai border. 

The source, who refused to be identified because he aimed to go back, said: 

"During the fight between the SSA and the Burmese (SPDC troops), a captain and
a sergeant major were killed, while the commanding officer of Infantry
Battalion 65 was also badly wounded in the leg and is in Monghsat hospital for
treatment". 

S.H.A.N. reported on Wednesday that during an ambush staged by the local SPDC
troops on 29 August, the Shan's counter attack cost the junta 2 dead and 4
wounded. 

"This is essentially a tit-for-tat campaign, aiming to make up for what they
considered as a humiliation", said he. 

He added that units from Mongpyak, Kengtung and Mongpiang are also joining the
attack. He also saw lots of civilian trucks transporting troops and ammunition
to Poongpakhem, believed to be the forward operational command. 

He did not know who was in charge of the operation. 

So far, S.H.A.N. has yet to receive any reports about new clashes. 

/// END \\\ 
For further information, please contact S.H.A.N. at: 
Shan Herald Agency for News, P.O. Box. 15, Nonghoi P.O., 50007, Chiangmai,
Thailand.  
Ph/Fax: (053) 807 121. 
e-mail: <shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 

S.H.A.N. is a non-profit making, independent Shan media group. It is not
affiliated to any political or armed organizations.