Several Fatalities for Gvt Troops in Offensives Against Ta’ang Army

Burma Link, September 18, 2013

At least 13 government allied soldiers died and over 25 were seriously wounded in battles against Ta’ang troops on September 11 and 14, according to PSLF/TNLA News and Information Department.

On September 11, a battle reportedly took place between Ta’ang troops from IB 112 and the allied forces of Burmese army IB 45 and Pansay People’s Militia near Nanghon stream between Farfaint and Pachaun Villages of Nanphetkar Village Tract in Kutkhai Township. Burmese Army IB 45 and the allied forces of Pansay People’s Militia troops, made up of approximately 100 soldiers, carried out numerous offensives against the TNLA’s IB 122 when TNLA was organising a trip for their narcotic drugs eradication plan.

There were no casualties from the TNLA’s IB 112 and they were eventually able to move to a safer location to take up their defence using guerrilla warfare, said Commander Capt. Tar Khunsar.

Under the leadership and implementation of the narcotic drug eradication plan of the Central Committee of PSLF, the TNLA IB 112 had raided drug smugglers from the Lorkhu People’s Militia troops on September 8, seized their arms, and given them a stern warning to discontinue smuggling drugs in the area.

Another offensive leads to more Burma Army casualties

During an ambush on September 14, three Burmese soldiers died and five others were wounded in action between LIB 114 of the Burma Army and IB 717 of the Ta’ang army that occurred between Konmauk and Hokyat villages in the western part of Kyaukme Township, reports PSLF/TNLA.

The clash broke out when Burmese LIB 114 tried to occupy a hill where TNLA IB 717 was temporarily based. The fatalities and casualties were as a result of RPG fired by TNLA troops while the Burma Army continuously shelled the TNLA with 60 mm artilleries.

The offensive of the Burmese LIB 114 stopped in the afternoon due to the wounded soldiers on their side.

Note from PSLF/TNLA: The Pansay People’s Militia is the group behind the extensive drug trafficking in and around the Namkham area in northern Shan State. They have been facilitating the cultivation of Opium and the production of Yaba and Amphetamines for sale and distribution throughout Burma since 1998. The leader of the People’s Militia is an elected member of parliament.

Information provided by PSLF/TNLA News and Information Department