Mizzima News

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Fifteen people including two Burmese Army officers were killed during an ambush by the Shan State Army – South (SSA-South) on May 24 night, according to Shan army sources.

The SSA-South’s army column led by Aung Pe Sut took up position in Hnam Zam Township, between Hnam Hu and Kho Lam villages, 72 miles east of Shan State capital Taungyi and ambushed the junta’s troops at about 10 p.m.

The junta’s troops in the convoy included Col. Mai Zin led SSA-South splinter group which had surrendered to the Burmese military regime, and two officers of the ‘Military Affairs Security’ (MAS), and those of other ranks. They were heading for discussions with the ceasefire groups on the junta’s proposed transformation of their armies into Border Guards.

“There were a total of 15 people on the vehicle. The Shan State Army did not suffer any casualty during the attack,” a SSA-South spokesman, Sai Lau Sai told Mizzima.

However, the information cannot be independent verified.

Earlier on May 21, the SSA-S attacked the Burmese Army troops stationed between Panlong and Lai Kha villages, leaving six soldiers dead and seized eight assorted arms, according to a Shan Army news release.

About 100 personnel led by Col. Mai Zin of SSA-S split from away from their main group and surrendered to the military regime in mid-2006. The junta, however, allowed them to keep their arms as a people’s militia.

The SSA-South was established in Mai Sat on 21 May 1958 under the leadership of Sao New Saw Ram and they are based now in Loi Pan Taung range in Mai Ton Township, opposite the Thai-Burmese border town of Mea Phan.