SSA Remains in the North:

[shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

26 September 1999

SSA Remains in the North

The latest issue of the SSArmy News, the official bulletin of the Shan 
States Army, reported  9 engagements with the junta units in northern Shan 
State during the period from 30 June to 3 September.
The Northern Expeditionary Force, led by Ltc. Moengzuen, and composed of 
Brigade 758 and Hso Khan Fah Column, met and fought against the Burmese 
combined units killing 16, wounding 12 and capturing 7 assorted weapons, 
said the bulletin.

Altogether during their three month operations in the north, they have 
fought 12 engagements, according to the SSA reports. " Except for the one 
on 14 August, none could be regarded as significant actions," said the SHAN 
source close to the SSA. The SSArmy News reports:
" On 14/8/99, from 13:00 to 15:00 hrs., a combined SSA force including 3rd 
brigade, 16th brigade of SSA-North, 758th brigade, 154th battalion of Hso 
Karm Fah column led by Lieutenant Sai Ngo of SSA-South made a raid on the 
Burmese garrison at Wan Pan, Wan Pan tract, Hsipaw township, northern Shan 
State. The Burmese lost 6 troops, 4 assault rifles with 13 magazines, a 
complete map and a wireless set. SSA were intact." ( N.B. Both the 3rd 
Brigade and 16th Brigade are from the SSA-North that enjoys a ceasefire 
agreement with Rangoon.)

Yawdserk, the SSA's Commander-in-Chief, told SHAN during an 
interview,"There are few engagements, as our primary aim itself is not to 
wage a military campaign as yet, but to organize the people." ( Junta 
Beefing Up Militia to Counter Shan States Army, S.H.A.N, 13 September 1999)
Altogether, the SSA was engaged in 27 clashes during the period between 21 
June - 9 September, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the local people were reported to be forced to supply the junta 
units with rice, chicken, cooking oil and even torchlights, according to 
the bulletin.

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