Shan State Army (SSA) ‘North’ units operating around its former HQ Hsengkeow in Hsipaw township have been ordered to withdraw by the Burma Army’s Lashio-based Northeastern Region Command on Tuesday, 24 April, according to SSA sources.
The withdrawal order was relayed to the SSA liaison office in Lashio, Shan State North capital, by Chief of Staff Col Win Thein. “He said if we were unable to pull out, the next best alternative would be not to be seen wearing uniforms and carrying arms.”
The Burma Army is carrying out an “area-cleansing” operation, according to the locals.