20 killed in ambush

A surprise attack by the non-ceasefire Shan State Army (SSA) South in 13 March in Shan State South put to rout a 42-strong Burma Army patrol leaving 20 dead on the battlefield, according to the SSA website www.taifreedom.com.

The ambush took place near Jawng Khan Village, Hai Hpak tract, Namzang township, 73 miles east of the Shan State capital Taunggyi.

Among those killed were Capt Tin Aung Moe, two sergeants and one corporal. The patrol was made up of soldiers from two infantry battalions based at Langkher, 52 miles southeast of Namzang: IB 99 and LIB 525. (IB stands for Infantry Battalion and LIB for Light Infantry Battalion)

Heavy casualties caused by the SSA South last year had culminated in the forced relocations of villages in Laikha, Mongkeung and Kehsi townships, further north of Namzang, prompting an international outcry.

So far no reports of the Burma Army’s retribution against the surrounding villages have been received.

The SSA South’s 756th Brigade, commanded by Maj Kherh Lao, is active in the area.

Source :http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2971:20-killed-in-ambush&catid=86:war&Itemid=284