PRESS RELEASE (r)

[Simon_Po@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

KNU PRESS RELEASE No. 2/97
Date: 22nd February, 1997

REGARDING THE 1997 SLORC OFFENSIVE 
AGAINST THE KNU


The SLORC launched its general offensive against the KNU in 6th Brigade area
on the 8th of February 1997. Simultaneously, the SLORC launched an offensive
against the KNU's Brigade 4 area. The SLORC's Southern Command is led by
Division Commander Thura Sit Maung, notorious for human rights abuse
perpetrated against the civilian population in southern Burma. In this
offensive, battalions from Light Infantry Divisions (LIDs) 11,22,33, 55,66
and 99 were deployed, having a combined strength of approximately 3,000 men,
as well as the troops usually operating in the southern area.

The battle front news from KNU 4th Brigade area is as follows:

8th of February, 1997:
A clash between SLORC (Burmese army) troops and Karen National Liberation
Army (KNLA) troops took place at Mu Hta Village. SLORC casualties are
unknown.

9th of February, 1997:
The KNLA attacked SLORC troops near Mae Plu Kho village in KNU 4th Brigade
area. The battle began at 8:30 AM and lasted the whole day. In this clash, 9
SLORC soldiers were killed, including one major, and 15 SLORC soldiers were
injured.

10th of February, 1997:
The KNLA ambushed SLORC soldiers at Kleh Gyu village. One SLORC soldier was
killed and two SLORC soldiers were injured.

11th of February, 1997:
The KNLA attacked the SLORC at Taung Thon Lone village. Casualty numbers are
unknown. On the same day, KNLA soldiers ambushed SLORC soldiers at Po Se
camp, near Maw Lo Kheh village. The SLORC retaliated using 20 artillery
shells. Casualties are as yet unknown.

13th of February, 1997:
The KNLA ambushed SLORC troops at Yo Lay and Mae Moe Kay Klaw villages. The
battle began at 7:30 AM and lasted the whole day, leaving the SLORC with 18
men wounded or dead. Three SLORC soldiers and seven porters fled the battle
field. The SLORC soldiers tried to recapture the fleeing soldiers and
porters, and then a new battle with the KNLA soldiers occurred. Three SLORC
soldiers were killed in this battle. The run-away soldiers and porters were
then executed by the commanding officers of the SLORC battalion.

15th of February, 1997:
The SLORC soldiers attacked the KNLA forces at Kwee Wah Wah village at 6:30
AM. One KNLA soldier was injured. SLORC casualties are unknown. Fighting
broke out again at 11:30 AM and 20 SLORC soldiers were killed, including one
officer. One KNLA soldier died and 5 were injured in this battle.

16th of February, 1997:
Clashes broke out between KNLA and SLROC troops at a position between Kwee
Wah Wah, Nyah Plah Thu villages. SLORC casualties are unknown. KNLA troops
suffered no casualties. 

17th of February, 1997:
The KNLA captured a boat carrying SLORC military supplies and 10 sacks of
rice and other military rations were seized. On the Same day the KNLA
attacked the SLORC soldiers at Maw Ma Pru mountain. SLORC casualties are
unknown.

18th of February, 1997:
A battle broke out again at Maw Ma Pru mountain at 9:00 AM, lasting the whole
day and leaving the SLORC with 20 casualties. The KNLA then captured 10 SLORC
Navy boats carrying supplies. On the same day the KNLA attacked the SLORC at
Ta Nah P'Gaw Htah village and the SLORC suffered 20 casualties in this
battle.

19th of February, 1997:
The KNLA attacked SLORC soldiers at K'Htaw Nee area. The SLORC suffered over
30 casualties.

Currently all over the KNU's 4th Brigade area, sporadic fighting is
continuing. The KNLA have had few casualties, yet injuries and deaths on the
SLORC side have been high in number.


For more information:
Please contact Pado Mahn Shar at 055 561 040 or 055 561 062


 
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