Burma-Myanmar: New clashes between army and Shan State Progress Party / Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) rebels during Myanmar New Year celebrations
SSPP/SSA troops in the frontline
On 15 and 16 April, during the Myanmar New Year celebrations, a fierce battle broke out between Burma army and Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) at Loi Zay, Tangyan Township, northern Shan State, said local news sources.
“It has been 2 days, yesterday and today that they [Burma army] have reinforced its troops that resulted in a fierce fight. Burma army lost 4 dead, 8 injured,” said Maj Sai La, spokesperson for SSPP/SSA.
On 15 and 16 April, for 2 days in order to control the Loi Zay mountain range, 3 infantry battalions made several assaults on the SSPP/SSA Loi Zay base. The IBs 33 and 291 advanced while the other was shelling with heavy weapons from the rear. For two days, the fight began at 9.00 am and ended at 12.00 noon, said an SSPP/SSA commander.
Two refugees from Tangyan who had returned home to look for their buffaloes were also injured on their way home.