Burma-Myanmar: Shan State Army-North (SSA-North) to Naypyitaw: “stop attacks or truce terminates”
The Shan State Progress Party / Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA), as the SSA North is officially designated, whose Kawng Maihoong base in Monghsu township has been under attack since Saturday, 30 June, has sent a message to President Thein Sein demanding that his Burma Army forces suspend hostilities and retire to where they come from, according to SSPP/SSA spokesman Maj Sai La.
“So far, we are only defending our positions,” he said. “But we’ll be forced to take steps if the attack continues.” This latest attack marks the 19th time the ceasefire agreement, signed on 28 January in Shan State capital Taunggyi, has been violated, according to SSA sources.
Apart from Kawng Maihoong, 2 other bases in Tangyan township, 7th Mile and Kawng Maizong, were being attacked by joint forces from Infantry Battalions (IBs) 33 and 136, and Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 326 yesterday. The 3 battalions are units under the command of Lashio-based Northeastern Region Command. The rest are from Kholam-based Central Eastern Region Command.