SPDC plans a major offensive agains

[mnvictor@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: SPDC plans a major offensive against SSA-S troops

SPDC plans to launch a major offensive against the SSA-S troops in northern 
Shan State

A reliable source from Rangoon stated that SPDC is planning a major 
offensive operation against the SSA-S troops in northern Shan State. SSA-S 
troops started to infiltrate and try to control the areas of northern Shan 
State with three Brigades since June, 99. Within two months, SSA troops had 
controlled some areas and made offensive attacks to garrisons in some areas, 
Tangyan, Naungkio, Hsipaw and Kyaukmae townships.

Now news from Rangoon stated that SPDC is preparing a major operation 
against SSA-S troops in northern Shan State. The news also stated that the 
operation will be composed of 31 battalions under 9 tactical commands of 
North-East Command and 101 Division of SPDC. The troops from adjacent 
Commands; Central Command, Northern Command and Eastern Command are also 
prepared to take part in the operation if necessary.

SPDC is planning to use troops from 16 infantry battalions and 15 light 
infantry battalions. The battalions to be taken part in the operation are 
Infantry Battalion 22, 23, 33, 41, 67, 68, 69, 235, 239, 242, 251, 253, 255, 
257, 258 and 259 and Light Infantry Battalion 17, 114, 312, 322, 323, 324, 
325, 326, 501, 503, 505, 506, 507, 522 and 523. There are about 5,000 
soldiers under these battalions in North-East Command area. But it is 
estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 troops can only be used for the operation.

SPDC is said having problems formulating the operation plan due to 
untrustful lists of man power of their own battalions and difficulties in 
assessment of fighting ability due to forced recruitment and trial of 
multiplying the number of troops in the army.

At the same time information from northern Shan State stated that SPDC is 
changing weapons of the troops in North-East Command area. The Burma Army is 
giving short trainings to the soldiers and changing the arms with newly 
produced MA assault rifles to the old German made BA 63 and 64. The MAs are 
produced from the factory bought from Singapore. It is built with mixed 
mechanism of Russia made AKs and US made M 16. The ammunition is also 5.56 
mm bullet but MA can use the M 16 ammunition although its ammunition cannot 
be used in M 16. Soldiers from Burma army said MAs are not good to use in 
continuous long term firing as it is increased in firing power and easily 
hot.

One regional and military expert said that the operation and new weapons 
couldn't drive out the freedom fighting Shan guerillas although it will make 
disturbances and some problems to guerillas.

Victor.


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