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

The ambush occurred 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 in 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 Burmese 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.