SLORC LAUNCHES OFFENSIVE AGAINST AB

[lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: SLORC LAUNCHES OFFENSIVE AGAINST ABSDF CAMPS

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 18, 1997



              SLORC LAUNCHES OFFENSIVE AGAINST ABSDF CAMPS
              ---------------------------------------------


The troops of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)
have begun an offensive against an ABSDF camp situated on the
Burma side of the border opposite Thailand's Thap Sakae in
Prachaub Kirikhan Province.

The offensive against the 8888 Camp began on April 11 and
fighting was continuing this morning. 

Three columns of SLORC troops comprising 1,000 soldiers, from
Light Infantry Battalions 358, 224, 262 and 432, along with more
than 700 porters arrived in the area last month. Skirmishes
began breaking out between the SLORC troops and various
organizations including the ABSDF. The offensive is being
commanded by SLORC's Tactical Commander Colonel Zaw Tun.

According to reports from the 8888 Camp, 9 SLORC soldiers have
been killed and 6 injured. No casualities have been reported
among the opposition troops.

With the intensification of the offensive, another influx of
refugees is expected from the camps in the area under the
administrations of students, Karen, Mon and Muslim organizations.
More than 200 refugees have already arrived at the border near
Thap Sakae.

The area is close to a proposed road to be constructed by the
SLORC's Port Authority and Thailand's Sahaviriya Group. The road,
as well as a railroad, is planned to be built between Ban Saphan
in Thailand and Burma's Boke Pyin township.   

The area, which falls within Tenasserim and Boke Pyin townships
in Tenasserim Division, has been the target of SLORC's merciless
forced relocations and summary executions throughout 1996. Since
May last year more than 20,000 people from 79 villages in the
area were forcibly relocated. 

The relocations are an attempt by SLORC to pave the way for the
development of the area and the construction of deep sea ports
and the 'Boke Pyin Industrial Estate' which is supported by
Thailand's Minister for Industry, Korn Dabbransi. A gas pipeline
belonging to US's oil giant Taxaco also pass through this
area.  

ABSDF
Central Committee

For further information please contact Aung Naing Oo 300 0631 or
01 654 4984.