BURMA CONFLICT SITUATION REPORT
Aug 21st, 2011
http://www.dictatorwatch.org/burmaconflictblog.html
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1. Burma is in a state of war, and has been since January 1949. This is when Ne Win, who became the first modern dictator of the country, had his private army commit atrocities against the Karen people (Burma’s second largest ethnic group), and attack their political organizations in Insein Township, thus instigating the Karen revolution. The war in Burma, though, receives little international attention, because it is: (1) a civil war, within the country’s own borders; (2) initiated by the military forces of the dictatorship against the nation’s ethnic minority groups; and (3) which groups for the most part reside in mountainous or otherwise remote areas inaccessible to combat journalists. Also noteworthy is that the organizations that are working inside Burma, such as the United Nations and its affiliated aid agencies, under order of the dictators avoid the conflict zones.
Coverage of the war to-date is piecemeal. Some significant battles are described by expatriate Burmese media, including Irrawaddy, Mizzima, Democratic Voice of Burma, SHAN, and the other members of Burma News International. The Karen National Union, whose military wing the Karen National Liberation Army has been involved in the highest number of clashes with the Burma Army, also puts out summary military engagement reports. (To give one measure of the scale of the conflict that is underway, for the period January 1 to March 31, 2011, the KNLA was involved in 526 clashes with the Burma Army and – from October 1, 2010 – 21 with its affiliated Border Guard Forces, resulting in 416 known Burma Army KIA casualties and 15 known KIA for the BGF.)
There has never been an effort to track all the conflict that occurs in Burma, from the Mon, Karen and Karenni areas in the east, to the Shan and Kachin states in the north, to the Arakan, Chin and Naga areas in the west. This blog, which is a work in progress, will be just such an attempt. We appeal to all the different resistance groups that are engaged in conflict with the Burma Army and its proxies, including such groups information and media units, to send us descriptions of the clashes that occur in your areas of operation.
The description of a clash should include its date; resistance group and enemy units involved; location, i.e., state or division, district, and township; the type of clash, e.g., sniper attack, column ambush, outpost raid, equipment demolition, etc.; and the outcome.
We would also appreciate photo and video documentation, and maps.
2. The goal of the blog is to give a much better feel for what is happening with the war in Burma: the number, severity and character of the clashes that are taking place and where they are occurring and involving whom. This will also reveal that the vast majority of the conflict is ethnic related. It is driven by the racism and ethnic superiority aspirations of the military rulers of Burma.
The initiative should have many practical, positive outcomes, including:
- Prove that it is unsafe for refugees who have fled to Thailand, Bangladesh, Malaysia and elsewhere to return to Burma.
- Demonstrate that the sanctions that are now in place against the regime should not be ended. Instead, they should be expanded including with the enforcement of a global arms embargo. (Of note, such an embargo was efficiently put in place against the dictator of Libya, Muammer Gaddafi, after he similarly began to attack the Libyan people.)
- Substantiate that there is full justification to begin a United Nations sponsored Commission of Inquiry on the regime’s war crimes, and to pursue international intervention to end them including by such things as demanding Burma Army troops withdraw from the ethnic areas; the creation of an international peace-keeping force; and providing direct assistance to the resistance groups (as has also happened in Libya).
- More generally, illustrate that the situation in Burma is not improving, and that there is no possibility of gradual change. The regime must be removed. The “government” of the country is nothing but a collection of puppets, who follow the strict orders of the military rulers, foremost Senior General Than Shwe, who now command from outside the public eye. These generals must be expelled (just as Abidine Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak have been expelled). This is the only way to end the war, the repression of Burma’s ethnic nationalities, and also to shut down the regime’s clandestine nuclear and ballistic missile cooperation with North Korea, China and Russia.
CONFLICT BLOG: Bookmark this blog for easy reference to Burma conflict news.
Please also see the reports of:
The Karen Human Rights Group
The Shan Human Rights Foundation
AUGUST
August 21
Karen National Liberation Army six month battle report
This is the 2011 six month battle report for the Karen National Liberation Army. It reveals that from January to June enemy losses (Burma Army and related Border Guard Forces) totaled 761 Killed In Action and 1,047 Wounded In Action casualties.
August 19
Seven Burmese soldiers killed in fighting with KIA
The KIA is on the offensive again.
August 19
Shan front report.
“On the war front, our SSA soldiers have turned the table against the Tatmadaw by driving them back right up to Nong Keo near Maymyao. Their attempt to run over SSA HQ is far from over. They are stuck about 10-20 km away from the Wanhai HQ and they don’t dare to withdraw either as they will be ambushed along the retreating lines. They now realized military solution is not the best option. So they are resorting to the same old trick of former PM U Nu’s time when KNU was about to run over Rangoon capital 1948, using truce to withdraw their forces from the Shan jungle terrain. As we know the Lady (ASSK) is now released from restriction of movements to allow her to negotiate for peaceful solution by political means. KIA says they must speak to all the five ALLIANCE instead of one at a time.”
August 19
Shan children ‘used as human shields’
Why is there no international outrage over the Burma Army’s war crimes?
August 19
No More Land for the Civilians to Set Foot on
According to the Karenni Development and Research Group (KDRG), there are more than 100,000 landmines planted in Karenni State (by the Burma Army) which is half of the population of Karenni State, that is one landmine for every two persons.
August 19
Ethnic Armies Reject Piecemeal Peace Talks
Ethnic resistance groups firm in their demand that they will only negotiate together and for a nation-wide ceasefire.
August 19
Burmese gov’t still exercising an ethnic ‘divide and rule’ strategy
Additional perspectives on the ceasefire issue.
August 19
SHAN news release
Burma Army officers court-martialed for refusing to follow orders.
Unconfirmed report says Lt-Col Zeya Aung, Commander of Infantry Battalion #22, was court-martialed and sentenced to imprisonment after failing to send reinforcement to troops fighting against the Shan State Army (SSA) in July. It also says Lt-Col Thein Zaw Moe, responsible for road security between Wanzing and Mongnawng, had been court-martialed following ambush of reinforcements led by Lt-Col Win Nyunt late July. According to business sources close to the Burma Army, the campaign against the SSA has not been well-coordinated among the three regional armies: Eastern, Northeastern and Middle East.
August 19
A Glance Inside the Burmese Army
Good analysis of the morale problems in the Burma Army.
August 19
I Am Both Angry And Grateful To The International Community
Analysis of how the United Nations and the European Union are failing the people of Burma.
August 18
Burmese army-KIA fight at Wawang Kumbang
Another clash at the Kachin front. Following BA ceasefire entreaties, the Kachin conflict slowed down. But now that the KIA realizes that the Tatmadaw is not sincere, daily clashes have resumed.
August 18
Villagers face fighting, malaria, hunger and displacement
One hundred and thirty new Karen refugees.
August 17
SHAN news releases:
Burma Army burns monastery; large clash with SSA leaves four BA soldiers killed.
Buddhist dominant Burma Army set on fire that Mong Khawn monastery in Manzi township, Kachin State, on 9 August after accusing the monks of supporting Christian-dominant Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to local sources fleeing from the area.
Shan State Army’s 726th Battalion base, west of the Namhen, attacked by Hopang-based Infantry Battalion 143 at 20:00, 14 August. The fight continued the next day until late in the night. On 16 August morning the SSA discovered the attackers had withdrawn. It found 4 Burma Army soldiers dead, including Deputy Battalion Commander Maj Tin Myo Tun. It was later reported the Burma Army also suffered more than 20 wounded. On the SSA side, there were 3 killed in action and 5 wounded in action.
August 17
SSA-N refutes Burmese gov’t accusation it fired on civilians
Update on recent Burma Army mortar attack on Shan village: Nine villagers were killed.
August 17
Kachin Women’s Association Thailand
From August 16 statement: more rapes and murders by Burma Army.
On August 9, a 39-year-old woman and her 17-year-old daughter were gang-raped and killed by troops from Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion 37 near Waimaw. On July 31, a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed when he fled from a Burmese patrol near Kamaing, west of Myitkyina.
August 17
More Hostilities Expected in Southern Karen State
Overview of the current situation on the Karen front.
August 16
Innocent teenage boy shot dead by Burmese soldiers
Burma Army soldiers murder village boy in Kachin area.
August 16
SHAN news release:
New battle.
A Burma Army patrol fought against an unidentified armed group at Loi Piang Fa, Kard Tao tract, some 10 miles north of Kengtung, 03:00-05:00. No further details. The Shan State Army (SSA) says it is still waiting for field reports from its units in Shan State East.
August 15
Kachin News Group news releases:
Many new clashes break out between the KIA and the BA; at least five BA soldiers killed.
8/15 – Fighting between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) troops and the Burmese Army took place on Monday, near Namtu, in Northern Shan State, local sources said.
8/14 – Two military clashes on Sunday, in the morning and evening, took place on the Myitkyina-Manmaw Road, at the village of Nam San Yang, local people said.
At least one government soldier was killed in the morning fighting with KIA troops from Battalion 23, said KIA officers.
New fighting started at Nam San Yang on Friday evening.
8/14 – A Burmese army column was ambushed yesterday evening by the KIA’s Battalion 6 on the Hpakant-Namya Road, in Hpakant Jade Mining Township, in western Kachin State, local people said.
At least four government soldiers were killed in the attack, according to KIA officers.
August 15
Fighting breaks out between government and Shan troops
More detail about the clash described in the next item, as well as other news from the Shan and Kachin fronts.
August 15
SHAN news release:
New battle.
Clash between Shan State Army’s 576th Battalion and Burma Army’s Light Infantry Battalion #503 near Wan Phui, Kehsi township, 14:00-20:00, 13 August. 1 killed and 8 wounded on the Burma Army side and 6 wounded on SSA side.
August 15
Army vents fury on populace
Burma Army mortars Shan village. At least thirteen villagers wounded.
August 12
KIA attacks Burmese troops in Nam San Yang
After a week of no fighting, a new battle on the Kachin front.
August 12
SHAN news release:
More information on yesterday’s Shan front battle.
The fight yesterday in Kehsi township was against Nawngkhio-based Light Infanty Battalion (LIB) 114 and not against IB 287 as reported earlier, says the Shan State Army. The battle which began when the Burma Army battalion “deliberately sought out” the SSA took place 7 miles northeast of Kehsi and lasted 5 ½ hours, 12:00-17:30. The attackers retired after sustaining heavy casualties. “We can’t understand why they would want to start a fight like that,” Maj Gen Pang Fa, SSA leader, was quoted as saying.
August 12
SSA says Chinese engineers released by unknown group
Chinese company reportedly agrees to suspend work on Tasang dam.
August 12
Burmese soldier commits suicide at Waingmaw military base
More evidence of the terrible morale in the Burma Army.
August 11
SHAN news release:
Large battle underway at Shan front.
Heavy clash between the Shan State Army and IB 287 at Pangzay-Loi Yoi, between Kehsi and Nampook at 12:00. “Our guys had them surrounded at the last report (16:00),” said Maj Sai La, SSA spokesman.
August 11
SSA-N and SSA-S launch joint attacks against government
More detail on clash reported by SHAN yesterday (next item). Four Burma Army KIA casualties.
August 10
SHAN news release:
At least ten BA casualties in joint SSA ambush.
Joint Shan State Army ‘North’ and ‘South’ column ambushes Burma Army convoy coming south from Kehsi to Mongnawng at 06:20 this morning. At least 10 believed to be dead and wounded.
August 10
Over 30,000 displaced by Burma Army attacks face humanitarian crisis in northern Shan State
Humanitarian impact of Burma Army offensive against the SSA.
August 10
Burma Army Offensive in Northern Shan State (2 July – 4 August, 2011)
Good map of the Shan front.
August 10
Displacement during Burma Army offensive in Northern Shan State (13 March – 10 August 2011)
Map of internally displaced persons in Northern Shan State.
August 10
Update of incidents of fighting between Burma Army and Shan State Army North
Tables of clashes between the Burma Army and the SSA, and associated human rights abuses by the BA against Shan villagers.
August 10
Straightening the Dog’s Crooked Tail: One Man’s Opinion
Good analysis of why the Burma Army is rushing to reestablish its ceasefire agreement with the KIO/KIA.
August 9
Burma Army fast closing the gap with Mongla
The BA is returning troops to positions near the NDAA.
August 9
A Soldier’s Story: My escape from Hell
Good description of the dismal life of soldiers in the Burma Army.
August 8
SHAN news release:
Many new clashes on the Shan front. Thirty-one Burma Army casualties.
At least 8 clashes had taken place between 3-5 August between the Shan State Army (SSA) and the Burma Army: Kehsi township, 3; Mongyai township, 3; and Tangyan township, 2. The Burma Army suffered at least 31 casualties: 2 killed and 29 wounded. More fighting during the weekend, according to SSA sources.
August 8
Burma Army requests return of seized supplies
What audacity!!! The Burma Army is raping and killing Shan villagers. The SSA, defending the villagers, is ambushing BA units and taking their supplies. The BA is now asking for the supplies back!
August 8
Students spread anti-government posters in Myitkyina
What the Revolution in Burma needs is more Underground Group resistance in the cities in support of the armed groups’ struggle in the hills.
August 8
Burma govt ‘neglecting’ Kachin refugees
The Burma Army is committing a war crime by not allowing aid agencies access to the refugees.
August 8
Seven Arrested after being Accused of Supporting Insurgent Group
Seven villagers arrested in Chin State, which area – Western Burma – has seen relatively little conflict. The Burma Army clearly does not want to be involved in a new front. Note: Villagers accused of being part of the resistance are often executed.
August 7
KNLA Situation Report
Clashes involving the KNLA for the period June 16 – July 30
August 7
News of BURMA ARMY (Tatmadaw) attack on SSA Wan-hai HQ.
Burmese Army casualties are put at 400 plus dead and 200 disabled and wounded casualties over a period of three months since early May 2011. The hospital beds in Laikha, Nam Sang (Burmese Mi29 air base) and Loilem are full so they have to take the injured and sick Tatmadaw foot soldiers to Pangtara Burmese military hospital where it is claimed to have over 1000 beds waiting for them.
August 5
Burmese lieutenant and soldier killed by KIA
A new KIA clash with the Burma Army.
August 5
Siege of Shan base relaxed but not lifted
Although the Burma Army has withdrawn troops from positions near the SSA’s Wanhai HQ, those that remain are re-provisioning.
August 5
Scorched earth threat in Shan state
The Burma Army is threatening to destroy Shan villages in Southern Shan State if the fighting with the SSA spreads.
August 4
SHAN news release:
Description of July Shan front clashes.
Report from the Shan State Army (SSA) North says it had fought 33 clashes during July, killing at least 38 and wounding 39, while losing 2 killed and 3 wounded. It was unable to account for casualties for 15 clashes, 3 of them together with the SSA South.
Hsipaw township, 2 clashes; Mongyai township, 10 clashes; Monghsu township, 3 clashes; Tangyan township, 2 clashes; and Kehsi township, 16 clashes.
August 3
Police killed in Kachin rocket attack
Additional information about the Kachin ambush described in the next item.
August 3
KIA attacks a Burmese military truck
New Kachin ambush, near Chinese dam site.
August 3
SHAN news release:
Major clash at Shan front.
Burma Army’s Yin-Kwe-taung post attacked yesterday by Shan State Army (SSA), between 18:00-19:00. Heavy casualties on the Burma Army side, according to sources, but no figures available.
August 3
Burma Army withdraws from Mongla
Update to yesterday’s news releases about the Burma Army withdrawing troops from near NDAA base.
August 2
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
Excellent commentary on Burma’s Civil War, which makes two basic points. The resistance forces should not sacrifice their political goals (i.e., freedom) in exchange for economic incentives. In other words, they should not be corrupt and sell out their people. And, they should maintain unity and press their political demands collectively. No resistance groups, most importantly the KIA, should strike separate ceasefire agreements.
August 2
Tavoy-Kanchanaburi will continue to see resistance says KNU
Increased fighting in KNU’s 4th Brigade area, in response to major regime development projects. Note: This brigade has seen the least conflict in recent years of any of the KNU units.
August 2
Nationwide cease-fire demand prevents KIO-government agreement
The Kachin are sticking to their demand for a nation-wide ceasefire. Well-done, KIO/KIA!
August 2
SHAN news releases:
Burma Army soldiers withdrawing from positions near NDAA (Mongla).
Around 300 Burma Army troops that arrived on 24 July at the No Man’s Land between the NDAA and Burmese frontline outposts near Mong Lwe, southwest of Mongyang left yesterday, thereby releasing the tensions that had flared up a week earlier. The Burma Army said there was no silver metal to be found there as suggested by earlier reports.
The Burma Army’s forward base at Mongfan, near the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)’s Hsop Lwe base on the Mekong, has reduced its strength to some 50 troops from about 200 two months ago, according to NDAA sources in Mongla, opposite China’s Daluo.
August 2
DKBA to escalate border conflict
The different elements of the Karen resistance are increasing their unity, and planning an offensive to drive the Burma Army from Karen State.
August 2
Govt Shelling Hits Karen Village
The Burma Army has been shelling the Karen resistance forces almost daily since May.
August 1
Burmese army brutally kills a Kachin farmer
Another report (see below) described how the Burma Army killed one Kachin villager and captured another. It has now been learned that the captured villager too was murdered, by being buried alive. The Burma Army are barbarians! Eight other villagers have also been arrested, reportedly to bury bodies. What are the chances that they too will be murdered?
August 1
Hundreds of Karen villagers forced to work at Burma Army camp
Large-scale forced labor in Karen State.
August 1
Civilian shot dead, one civilian arrested by government troops in Kamaing
Kachin villager murdered by Burma Army soldiers.
August 1
Half of government battalions besieging Shan headquarters pull out
In recent weeks many commentators have expected a full-scale offensive by the Burma Army against the SSA’s Wanhai headquarters. We, though, were skeptical about this. In the conflict in the area that had been underway, the SSA clearly had prevailed. This article discloses that recent Burma Army casualties at the northern Shan front included 100 killed in action. Had the BA attacked Wanhai such casualties would have risen to the hundreds, which apparently was an unacceptable loss, and which offensive also would have had no guarantee of success.
The Tatmadaw is failing now on all three fronts, Kachin, Shan and Karen. Hence its push for a new Kachin ceasefire.
JULY
July 30
Burmese troops fire artillery at each other
Confused Burma Army units fight each other at the Kachin front.
July 29
Military uses 13-year-old boy to spy on KIA
Burma Army forces Kachin boy to spy on the KIA. The military regime has absolutely no shame. What a collection of cowards!
July 29
Italian-Thai company workers evacuated from Burma
Thai construction workers flee the Karen front. New KNLA clashes leave a reported six Burma Army KIA casualties.
July 29
SHAN news release:
More news of Kyaukme attacks.
Civilian sources from Kyaukme say Artillery Battalion 36 post, south of the town, was attacked by unknown armed band before dawn. About 15 soldiers wounded, some seriously.
Nawng Ang, between Kyaukme and Bawgyo (Maw Kerh) on the way to Hsipaw, was attacked at the same time. 3 either wounded or killed. Shan State Army “South” confirm its fighters were responsible for the attacks.
July 29
Gunmen Kill Three in Kyaukme Attack
An attack at a regime checkpoint. Also, news of another clash on the Shan front.
July 29
Facebook: Hundreds join movement against Burma Army
The Civil War leads over two hundred Shan youths to join the revolution.
July 28
Suu Kyi’s ‘Open Letter’ calls for immediate cease-fire in ethnic areas
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi offers to mediate the war.
July 28
SSA-S troops ambush government convoys
Three resistance ambushes at the Shan front.
July 28
SSA North not left out in the cold: Spokesman
Two more clashes at the Shan front.
July 28
Families in Kachin war zone ordered out
Burma Army forcibly relocates thousands of Kachin villagers.
July 27
4 Burmese soldiers killed, 12 injured by KIA ambush
Four Burma Army soldiers killed by the KIA.
July 27
Rank-and-file hardships taking toll on Tatmadaw unity
Important: Secret intelligence reveals that ordinary Burma Army soldiers are facing many difficulties, and that this in turn is causing divisions among their commanding officers.
July 27
Mon armed group asks extortion money from government rubber plantation
Regime department receives demand for cash.
July 26
Burma army targets ethnic women
Since June 9, Burma Army soldiers have raped at least thirty-two ethnic minority women, of whom thirteen were then murdered.
July 25
More Refugees Flee to Border Fearing War
Two thousand new refugees at the Kachin front.
July 25
Activists protest Indian arms sales to Burma during ethnic wars
Activist reaction to the appalling news that India is arming Burma’s military dictatorship, and is therefore culpable in its war crimes against Burma’s ethnic minorities.
July 25
Burmese-Kachin fighting takes place at three locations
New battles between the Burma Army and the KIA at three different locations. Casualties are unknown.
July 25
SHAN news release:
Burma Army gets large shipment of weapons from China.
500 13 ton Sino trucks from Sichuan province and 30 BE trucks loaded with ammo escorted to Lashio today since 06:00. Security provided by IB 241 between Muse and Hsenwi and by LIB 527 between Hsenwi and Lashio.
July 25
Final assault on SSA yet to materialize
SSA in south supporting northern Wanhai HQ with diversionary ambushes.
July 22
Friendly fire kills 3 Burmese soldiers, injures 7
What a joke! Burma Army soldiers masquerading as KIA were attacked and killed by their own troops. This is what happens to you when you are lying, deceiving, murderous, rapist bastards! Welcome to instant karma!
July 22
Burmese Military Reinforces Troops near KIO Bases
KIA destroys another bridge. Laiza is now cut off from Myitkyina and Bhamo. If – as many people are saying – the Burma Army is about to attack Laiza, then bring it on! Its supply and communication lines will be stretched, and easily cut. Laiza is well defended, and the weather now is terrible. The Tatmadaw will suffer unprecedented casualties.
The ethnic resistance groups should fight hard and on many fronts for the next six months to a year. Then maybe the junta will be willing to negotiate in good faith.
July 21
Government troops open artillery barrage near Myawaddy
The Burma Army is using heavy weapons against the DKBA.
July 21
Burma Army’s War against Shan: Licence to Rape plus Licence to Commit Genocide?
Burma Army commander orders troops in Shan State to kill local men and rape local women. This is the barbarity of the rulers of Burma. Constructive engagement, anyone?
July 21
Burmese troops close in on Laiza
The Burma Army is creeping up on the KIA headquarters, and many people expect a major attack. The question is: is such an attack likely, or is this posturing to pressure KIA commanders to accept a new ceasefire? One thing that is certain is that the area is extremely well defended. Any attack will be met by fierce resistance, and Burma Army casualties will be high.
July 20
Burmese Army to start full-scale offensive against Kachin minority
Expectation of major Burma Army offensive against the KIA.
July 20
‘We will not fight a defensive war for a long time’
Interview with Shan leader and discussion of recent fighting on the Shan front.
July 20
Three regional armies against Shan HQ
Expectation of Burma Army attack against SSA Wanhai HQ.
July 19
Burmese battalion commander and three troops killed by KIA
Four more BA casualties in the latest Kachin front clash.
July 19
Quiet along the front, noisy in the rear
Nampook battle at the Shan front dies down. SSA shifts to guerrilla tactics.
July 19
As fighting continues, Shan refugees seek safety in jungle
Hundreds of new Shan refugees. Also, report of new fighting in two townships at the Kachin front.
July 18
KIA captures 7 Burmese soldiers in Hka Ya war
Increase in reported number of BA soldiers captured bythe KIA from five to seven. Word that BA LIB 21 was effectively routed.
July 18
28 Govt. Troops Killed in Ambush: KIA
High number of casualties from KIA ambush of Burma Army supply column.
July 18
Burmese officials captured by Kachin army
Kachin capture five Burma Army personnel, including two officers.
July 18
Fighting intensifies around rebel HQ
Update on Shan front fighting around Nampook. Burma Army using heavy weapons.
July 18
Burmese shelling forces SSA from bases
Additional information from Shan front. SSA soldiers withdrawing from some positions to protect villagers at risk from BA shelling.
July 15
‘Negotiating’ recording to be played for President Thein Sein
Important: This article includes information that close to three hundred military trucks, loaded with arms, arrived in Burma from China between July 12 and 14.
July 15
Kachin News Group news release.
New clash at the Kachin front, five Burma Army soldiers killed.
July 13, 2011 at 6 a.m.—KIA’s battalion 15 attacked Burmese troops at Sinlum in N’mawk (Momauk) Township in Manmaw (Bhamo) district in Kachin State, said local residents. The Burmese soldiers are from Light Infantry Battalion No. 321, based in Shwenyaungbyin, Waingmaw Township. Five bodies of Burmese soldiers were brought out from the event, said witnesses.
July 15
Junta reinforcements waylaid
More detail on the fighting at Nampook on the Shan front. Four more ambushes by the SSA. Heavy Burma Army casualties, who are being retrieved by helicopter.
July 14
Kachins reject ceasefire with untrusted Burmese government
Kachin delegates reject KIO’s plan to renew its ceasefire with the Burma Army. Earlier this year the delegates rejected transforming the KIA into a BGF. This new rejection portends renewed conflict.
July 14
Former BGF fighters ready for war
DKBA soldiers well equipped and ready fight.
July 14
DANGER WITH EVERY STEP: LANDMINES KILLING AND WOUNDING IN KARENNI AREA
First report from Karenni State. The Burma Army has planted tens of thousands of land mines to target the Karenni people.
July 14
Burma Army gives rapists free rein in northern Shan State offensive
The Burma Army has authorized the use of rape as a terror tactic on the Shan front. Four women were raped on July 5th, including one 12 year old school girl.
July 14
SSA troops ‘bombed’ by government aircraft: SSA
Two Burma Army jets bomb the SSA, likely as a reaction to recent resistance advances (see next item).
July 13
Junta army’s road link outpost overrun by Shan rebels
The SSA destroy’s an important Burma Army outpost, after luring away most of the outpost’s armed contingent.
July 13
KNLA Situation Report
Clashes involving the KNLA for the period June 1-18.
July 13
From Prison to Front Line: Analysis of convict porter testimony 2009 – 2011
Report that in the last two years the Burma Army has used at least 1,700 convict porters in Karen State and eastern Bago Division.
July 13
Children become latest victims of conflict in Kachin State
Another Burma Army war crime. Kachin child refugees are ill and dying because the BA will not allow aid groups to help the refugees from the its war of aggression.
July 13
Clash in Shan State leaves at least six dead
SSA clash with the Burma Army, resistance forces say nine BA soldiers killed.
July 13
Bomb Blast in Shan State Injures Four
Bomb at a military checkpoint. In a separate report on the incident, SHAN reports that the SSA said it was not responsible.
July 12
SHAN news release:
Two new clashes
Two clashes last night:
The SSA North vs Burma Army’s IB 286 at Nampook, Kehsi township, north of SSA HQ Wanhai; 1 junta soldier captured alive
At Pakha Hsai, between Mong Awd and Khum Pang, Monghsu township, a surprise encounter at 23:00, casualties unknown; Burma Army chased out by the SSA
July 12
Govt Compromise Needed to Avert All-out Civil War: KIA
Burma Army shelling KIA stronghold at Pajau. Description of KIA ceasefire demands.
July 12
Ethnic Armies Must Defend Each Other: OMCC
Overseas Mon Coordinating Committee calls on UNFC members to support each other and fight, and questions the NMSP’s resistance to launching military operations.
July 11
India sends arms and ammunition in 52 trucks to Burma
Important: India, a democracy, is supplying arms to Burma’s military regime, a dictatorship. This is atrocious. It should be widely publicized in India’s media, and New Delhi should be forced to stop.
July 11
Bomb Exploded in Thantlang, Chin State
More news from Western Burma: A government building is attacked.
July 11
Fresh Govt. Attack on KIA at Hydropower Dam
Some ceasefire! The Burma Army renews its attacks on the KIA.
July 11
ABSDF will reorganize troops in Kachin State
The student army, the ABSDF, is reorganizing its soldiers in Northern Burma to fight alongside the Kachin. According to other reports, ABSDF troops in the south are already fighting with the Karen.
July 11
Burmese government blocks aid to Kachin war refugees
The Burma Army is blocking the delivery of relief supplies to the refugees of its offensive against the Kachin.
July 11
SHAN news releases:
The Wa are expecting to be attacked after the Kachin.
The Wa leadership believes the United Wa State Army (UWSA) is the next on Naypyitaw’s hit list, following the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to a highly informed source who just returned from the Sino-Burma border.
On July 9th, the SSA attacked a police vehicle carrying two of its fighters.
A police vehicle carrying two Shan State Army suspects attacked near Khong Noi, between Loilem and Taunggyi attacked by SSA troops. The two escaped with their rescuers. Other versions say they were killed together with the security guards.
July 11
Pro-government Force Retakes Karen BGF Headquarters
The title is misleading. DKBA troops have withdrawn from Myaing Gyi Nyu, to spare local villagers and temples, which would have been caught in fighting crossfire. The DKBA is now launching guerrilla operations against the Burma Army and Chit Thu’s Karen BGF.
July 9
Deadly ambush kills Burma army officers
More details about a July 2nd ambush by the KNLA, in which two Burma Army officers were killed and another one was seriously injured.
July 9
Burma army threats force villagers to abandon farms
Villagers at the Karen front abandoning their farms to escape being forced to porter for the Burma Army.
July 9
Burmese Army applies intra-tribal clash tactics in war on Kachin
The Burma Army is using divide and conquer tactics against the Kachin, by forcing remaining BGF troops to fight the KIA.
July 9
Burman Troop’s Offensive against Kachin: A Post-colonial Nationalistic Interpretation (research)
Analysis of the regime’s Burman nationalism as the driving factor behind the expanded conflict with the ethnic minorities.
July 8
Kachin army ambush leaves 30 dead
Kachin ambush on July 7 results in some thirty Burma Army killed in action casualties. Due to the date, this attack appears distinct from the clashes reported on July 4 (see below), which also totaled at least thirty such casualties.
July 8
Campaign stalemate, war goes on
Daily clashes in at least four locations on the Shan front. Very limited information is available on these clashes, but in one, two Burma Army soldiers were reported killed.
July 7
Village chairman arrested by CNA in Chin state
The Chin National Army asserts itself.
July 7
SHAN news releases:
Correction to report on SSA.
Re: Report about the Shan State Army (SSA) South urging the embattled SSA North to abandon its besieged HQ base in Wanhai, Kehsi township, 5 July 2011, was turned down by SSA officials as “inaccurate”. SHAN says it is happy that field reports from the SSA North are still forthcoming despite the misunderstanding.
Burma Army search and destroy mission in Shan State.
From 2-5 July, a 200 men patrol made up of 3 infantry battalions: IB 64, LIB 513 and LIB 577 launched a search-and-destroy operation in Monghsu township. Abuses and loots reported by the local people:
- K 2 million plus (not including donation box at Ta Hsarmpu temple)
- 32 bottles of cooking oil
- 2,240 liters of rice
- 22 bags of ajinomoto
- 75 chickens
- 3 pigs
- More than 90 people detained
- Rapes in Mongkhang
July 7
Karen BGF Talks Break Down; Tensions Remain High
Attempt by the Burma Army to reconcile with defector Karen BGF fails. Only Chit Thu’s unit remains loyal to the regime.
July 6
The Burma Army’s Offensive Against the Shan State Army – North
Timeline and analysis of Burma Army operations against the SSA.
July 6
SHAN news release:
In Shan front, Burma Army forces local villagers to wear uniforms and lead columns; five new clashes.
12 villagers were forced to wear Burma Army uniforms and lead the advance guard after a joint patrol of IB 64 and LIB 515 were ambushed by the Shan State Army (SSA) North on 2 July at Kiu Ma Yui, Mongnawng Sub-township, Kehsi township. Three more clashes between SSA and LIB 513 on the same day and 1 on 4 July.
July 5
Travelers released by armed group
Culmination of a recent transport attack in Mon State.
July 5
KIA limits military resistance to Burmese government
Is the KIA falling into a Tatmadaw trap? There is no sincerity in the regime’s ceasefire offer. It is only a ploy to buy time to reposition its troops for new attacks. In a war, restricting yourself to defensive operations is suicidal.
July 5
SSA South wants SSA North to evacuate from its main base
Update on the situation at SSA HQ Wanhai.
July 4
War continues between KIA and Burmese army
Three new battles on the Kachin front. A total of at least thirty Burma Army soldiers died in the first two; casualties from the third are still unknown.
July 4
Burma Officers Killed in KNLA Ambush
Two senior BA officers killed in a KNLA attack over the weekend. Two other BA KIA casualties.
July 4
Children forced to carry frontline supplies
Rampant use of forced labor, even of village children, by the Burma Army at the Karen front.
July 1
Burma Army commander ambushed
Ambush of Burma Army officer at the Shan front.
July 1
Shan upheaval as gas attack fears spread
Shan fear chemical warfare from the Burma Army.
July 1
Plain clothes Burmese soldiers rob and assault Kachin people
More human rights abuses by Burma Army soldiers at the Kachin front.
July 1
No one obeys gov’t order to hand over weapons in Mon State
Conflict in Mon State becoming more likely.
July 1
BGF Commander Killed in All-Karen Clash
Update to the next news item: The commander of BGF Battalion 1011 (which still supports the Burma Army) is among the KIA casualties in the new Karen offensive.
JUNE
June 30
BGF attacks Burma Army camp
Important: Major attack by the Karen resistance on a Burma Army camp. For years the Karen revolutionary forces have been weak, engaging mainly in defensive operations to protect villagers. With the collapse of the Karen BGF and the subsequent re-alliance of the DKBA with the KNLA, they are now strong enough to conduct large offensive operations. If these operations continue and expand, the freedom fighters have the potential to drive the Burma Army from much of Karen State, finally giving the local citizens (like the people of Benghazi in Libya) freedom from fear.
June 30
Kachin Army attacks Burmese military convoy
Burma Army movements to prepare for war continue even while a ceasefire negotiation is supposedly underway. KIA, do not be fooled by the SPDC’s lies!
June 30
Chinese made military trucks arriving at border raises question
China supplying more than one hundred new military trucks to the Burma Army.
June 29
Burmese troops cross Chinese border for offensive against KIA
Two hundred Burma Army troops enter China in civilian clothes. Kachin Independence Army expects attack on its Laiza HQ from Chinese territory.
June 29
LID 22 Troops Prepare for War In Karen State
Burma Army moves three hundred more soldiers to the Three Pagodas Pass area.
June 29
Bombs Hit Taungoo and Thanbyuzayat
Two more explosions, and two buses set on fire.
June 29
SHAN news release:
SSA soldier stopped by Burma Army, kills one BA soldier.
Private Ai La from the Shan State Army’s Battalion 807, 72nd Brigade, who was on errand to Mong Nawng, a sub-township seat of Kehsi township, stopped by 3 Burma Army men (1 officer and 2 enlisted men) before entering the town. During the ensuing shootout, the officer was killed and his pistol taken by Ai La, who escaped unscathed.
June 28
Two short, powerful videos from Burma Issues of one family of Karen villagers trying to survive under the Burma Army’s reign of terror.
June 28
Trains carry weaponry into Kachin capital
Burma Army preparing for large-scale warfare against the Kachin
June 27
SHAN news release:
Three Burma Army soldiers killed in SSA attack on road construction project.
Burmese troops guarding the Kengtung-Mong Ngen (Mong Khark township) road construction project attacked by Shan State Army “South” on 11 June. 3 dead and 5 wounded. The Burma Army had been subjecting villagers (Shan, Palaung and Lahu) to forced labor and other abuses, according to a report coming to the border. The SSA has neither confirmed nor denied it.
June 27
Kawkeriek civilian shot dead by Burma army
Burma Army soldier shoots a taxi driver at a checkpoint. New attack by the Karen resistance on a BA camp.
June 25
Chinese-Burmese military officers meet in Mangshi on KIA
Important: This article confirms the June 17 post (see below) of the contents of a top secret Burma Army letter that China will fund and arm the BA in its attacks on the Kachin. In a June 23 meeting between BA commanders and Chinese military officials, the Chinese granted permission for BA troops to cross into China to attack the KIA HQ at Laiza from the East. China is now a full ally of the Tatmadaw in the Kachin conflict. The only thing it has yet to do is commit its own PLA soldiers to the fight.
June 25
Civilians supporting KIA threatened with death
Burma Army announces its intention to commit war crimes against Kachin villagers.
June 24
Moscow’s Nuclear Envoy Visits Burma
While not directly connected to the current armed conflict in Burma, this article is relevant because of the gravity of the military regime’s clandestine WMD proliferation program, which Russia is assisting at a minimum with training, and also Putin’s conventional arms sales to the junta starting with MIG-29s.
Burma’s dictatorship recently announced that it is too poor for Nukes. This is hogwash, as the arrival of the Russian envoy demonstrates, as well as the U.S. interdiction on May 26th of a North Korean vessel heading to Burma with a cargo identified as missile components (see June 13 post below).
Also, few people have commented on the evolution of the regime’s propaganda. First it said that it had no nuclear program or aspirations whatsoever. Then, after Dictator Watch and Democratic Voice of Burma provided hard evidence to the contrary, the regime changed its position, saying that while it did have a nuclear program, it was for peaceful, research purposes only. To our knowledge, no Burma analysts recognized this subtle shift. Now the story has changed again to the plea of poverty, all the while energy prices and also direct investment in Burma are soaring.
While new intelligence on the WMD program has been sparse, it is clear that the regime is moving full steam ahead with its ambition to in one way or another possess an atomic bomb.
June 24
Three Burmese soldiers killed fighting KIA in Manje
Three BA soldiers killed in clash with KIA Battalion 12 in northern Kachin State.
June 24
Burmese government, KIO continue fighting in Kachin State
Fighting still underway in a number of locations on the Kachin front.
June 24
Shan army’s key bridge burnt down
Burma Army burns down Shan bridge. Two BA soldiers killed in nearby clash.
June 24
A second bomb goes off in Mandalay–fourth bomb on Friday
Bomb blasts in Burma cities. Unknown culprits. These are probably regime actions, to use for propaganda attacks on the resistance. Such unidentified blasts have been taking place for years.
June 23
War snowballs; Kachin refugees influx to China border
There are now more than 20,000 refugees from the Burma Army attacks in Kachin State. Refugee conditions are poor since the rainy season is underway. Malaria and cholera are spreading.
June 23
SHAN news release:
The Shan State Army (SSA) “North” withdrew from the Ta Pha Hsawng crossing battle in Kehsi township, some 20 miles west of its former head quarters Wanhai, yesterday after being heavily shelled, according to SSA sources. Wanhai, abandoned by its leader Maj Gen Pang Fa since the start of the campaign in March, has been strictly left alone by the Burma Army so far.
June 22
New war front opened between KIA and Burmese troops in Puta-O
Fighting begins in the far north of Burma.
June 22
Namkoi railway bridge blown up by KIA
Burma Army’s main rail transport line from Myitkyina to the conflict zone is cut.
June 22
Serial mine explosions in northern Myitkyina
Details of three explosions against regime facilities in Myitkyina.
Overview of Burma Army humanitarian abuses, and FBR relief operations, in the different districts of Karen State.
June 22
Burma pledges to rout Indian separatists
Even with battles underway on three fronts (Kachin, Shan, Karen), the Burmese dictatorship pledges to India to open a fourth in northwest Burma.
June 22
KIA Launches Targeted Urban Attacks
Bomb attacks in Myitkyina, and on railway bridge.
June 22
18 women gang-raped in Kachin state
Eighteen confirmed rapes by Burma Army soldiers in the Kachin area; thirty suspected.
June 22
SHAN news release:
A battle has been going on since 07:00 until 20:00 yesterday at Ta Pha Hsawng crossing of Lawng river, a tributary of the Pang, between 3 townships: Kehsi, Mongyai and Hsipaw. One of the Shan State Army 27th Brigade’s units was attacked by Mongao-based Infantry Battalion 33. Both sides have been taking a break since until 09:00 this morning, with reinforcements coming to each side. “It’s a sort of encirclement game,” said one officer, “First, they encircled us and then, we encircled them. Then they encircled us again and so on.”
June 22
Burmese government preparing offensive against Karen armed groups
Likelihood of large-scale warfare on the Karen front.
June 21
Clashes increase after more Burma Army troops deployed to Shan territory
Continuing clashes near SSA Wanhai HQ.
June 21
Two die after gunman opens fire in Karen state
Attack at Burma Army checkpoint.
June 20
Kachin raped, killed by Burmese troops
Report that seven Kachin women have been raped by Burma Army troops in recent days, with four then murdered. The regime is increasing its frequency of the crime of using rape as a weapon of wear. The question is: Is this being ordered purposefully by regime commanders, as a way to terrorize the local population?
June 20
Sinbo witnesses heavy fighting between Burmese troops and KIA
Contrary to some reports, there is no lull. Heavy fighting continues on the Kachin front.
June 20
A Hydropower Dam Site in Pegu Attacked
Karen attack a dam site.
June 20
Burma deploys extra troops to Karen state
Burma Army preparing to fight Karen BGF defectors.
June 20
SHAN news releases:
Clash on June 18, three BA soldiers killed
Shan State Army (SSA)’s Brigade No.1 from Township No.9 in Mongyai ambushed a patrol of Burma Army Infantry Battalion (IB) 67, between Tangyan and Lashio motor way, Shan State North, from 13:30 to 14:00. Three Burma Army soldiers were reported dead, the SSA sources said.
Clash on June 17, one BA soldier killed
A squad of Shan State Army (SSA) from Brigade 72 led by Corporal Sai Taw was engaged in a clash with Burma Army Infantry Battalion (IB) 286, at Kungmai Nyawng, Mongnawng Township, leaving one Burma Army soldier dead and several others injured, according to SSA sources.
Three more Shan villagers killed by Burma Army soldiers
Yet more local villagers in Shan State, especially from areas where clashes between the Shan State Army and Burma Army were reported shot dead by Burma Army troops patrolling in the area. On 16 June, three villagers from Hsipaw township, one of the war zone between the SSA and Burma Army, were killed. One of them Sai Jing, 35, from Wan kung Yome, Hseng Kaew village tract, Hsipaw was shot in the village by Burma Army from LIB#501 based in Kyaukme, according to local sources. The other villagers were Nang Htay, 13, and Nai Lu, 70, granddaughter and grandmother, from Wankang, Wanmaw village tract of Hsipaw, were similarly fired upon by Burma Army soldiers from Mongyai based Infantry Battalion (IB) 67.
June 18
KNLA attack kill 8 and wound 7 Burmese soldiers
Report of a new large clash.
June 18
Burmese Army’s Southeast Command Prepares Its Troops
Burma Army preparing for war against the Mon.
June 18
Burma army shelling displaces 200 villagers
Burma Army use of heavy weapons in Three Pagodas Pass area triggers Karen IDP crisis.
June 18
Motorbike gunmen target Burma army soldiers
Unusual ambush in Karen conflict.
June 17
Seventeen Burmese soldiers killed in Sinbo
Results of clashes in Mohnyin Township.
June 17
KIA attacks Burmese troops in Dum Bung Krung
Description of KIA offensive against the Burma Army.
June 17
Burmese Army Warns Families to Relocate to the Center of Town
Update on the situation at Three Pagodas Pass.
June 17
TOP SECRET LETTER OF SPDC
(Scroll down to find it in the blog.)
Letters from SPDC generals disclose:
48 Burma Army KIA casualties.
Expecting heavy weapons and ammunition from China by the end of June.
The fighting near the Kachin State dams is for Chinese business interests.
China will also fund the conflict.
Political prisoners are to be used as porters.
June 17
Burmese government offers KIA a cease-fire; fighting continues
Fighting in Mohnyin District today results in seven Burma Army KIA casualties.
June 17
Prisoners from Insein Prison are taken to unknown location
Burma Army using prisoners to porter in conflict zones.
June 17
KIA announcement to Burmese Armed Forces personnel:
KIA announcement calling for defections from Burma Army translated into English.
June 17
Irrawaddy news release:
Burmese Troops Using Villagers as Human Shields
Burmese government troops have banned residents of two Kachin villages—Hna Lin Hpa and Ton Hon in Na Kham Township—from fleeing so that they can use the villagers as human shields, said local residents. Seng Aung, who lives in Laiza on the China-Burma border, said that some villagers want to escape the hostilities, but the government won’t let them go. Some lie to the authorities, saying they are going to work on their farm, but then flee to Laiza for safety. Meanwhile, four Kachin villagers in Ma Kan Village, Na Kham Township, were arrested and tortured by government troops.
June 16
Tatmadaw shelling kills one child, injures another in Mae T’Ler village
Burma Army mortar attack kills a Karen child.
June 16
SHAN news releases:
Martial law in Bhamo
Bhamo township, Kachin State, is said to be under Martial Law after fighting between the Burma Army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) took place in the area on 14 June, according to local sources. A curfew is enforced after 21:00 (local time) and every shop and restaurant also has to close by 20:00. Authorities will not take responsibility for anyone outside after the curfew. Security in the town has tightened as well. Everyone crossing and passing the town is strictly checked and asked to show ID cards by Burma Army authorities. No one is allowed to pass by after 18:00 O’clock, said a source.
Four Shan villagers killed by Burma Army
On 14 June, 5 villagers from Nazawng and Hsai Leng villages, Wanpang village tract, Hsipaw Township, Shan State North, were shot while were working on a farm by an unidentified Burma army unit active in the area, leaving four dead and one injured. The victims were:
1. Sai Lu, 34, Hsai Leng village
2. Sai Jing, 25, Hsai Leng village
3. Hsang Hla, 30, Hsai Leng village
4. Hsang Mya, 30, Hsai Leng village and
5. Sai Htun, 20, Nazawg, Mongkhurh, Hsipaw Township, wounded on his left shoulder
SSA-BA clashes result in eight Burma Army KIA casualties
On 13 June, around 21:45 local time, a squad of Shan State Army fighters from Brigade NO.74 led by Corporal Sai Kham made an attack Burma Army soldiers from Infantry Battalion (IB) 518 and Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 247) based in Ho Nga, Namzeng village tract of Shan State South’s Monghsu township, leaving three dead on the Burma army side and 12 wounded. Another 2 injured soldiers died on the way to receive medical treatment at Monghsu hospital. One more died as soon as he arrived at the hospital, according to local sources and SSA. The rest were said to have been brought to Loilem hospital. On the same day, a patrol of Burma Army from Shan State South’s Mongnawng based Military Operations Command (MOC) #2, one of the bases that oversee the operation against the SSA, was ambushed again at Loi Zuen Mountain, south of Monghsu. One of the high ranking officers Colonel Myint Zaw, along with one private died on the spot. Three other soldiers were seriously wounded.
Clashes near SSA Wanhai HQ result in four Burma Army KIA casualties
The Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) says it is well-prepared to protect its headquarters Wanhai following the immediate reinforcement of the Burma Army troops near its HQ. Yesterday, around five battalions of Burma Army troops were deployed to areas two miles away from SSA HQ. On 13 June, four Burma Army soldiers from a Monghsu based battalion were killed and 5 wounded in a fighting took place at Loi Khio Mountain on the way to Tawoonkeng, one of the crossings of the Salween River, Shan State South. The fighting took place around 9:30 local time and lasted about half an hour between Shan State Army (SSA) Brigade No. 74, Battalion 196 and an unidentified Burma Army unit, according to SSA officers.
June 16
KIA encourages defection in Burmese Army
KIA implements long-advocated Dictator Watch recommendation, already in place by the KNU, to call upon Burma Army soldiers to defect.
June 16
Over 10,000 Kachin refugees flee to China border
Conflict’s associated humanitarian impact.
June 16
KIO destroys 10 bridges and capture and arrest six
KIA systematically destroying bridges to restrict Burma Army movements.
June 16
Two Burmese Army soldiers die in bus accident
Troops from Chin State being moved to Kachin battle areas. Private buses commandeered, accident leaves two BA troops dead.
June 16
Schools in Three Pagodas Pass Closed in Fear of Attacks
In Karen area, Burma Army soldiers wearing civilian clothes to use local population as a shield.
June 15
Two former NDA-K leaders put under house-arrest in Myitkyina
Burma Army trying to prevent Kachin BGF defections.
June 15
KIA destroys two bridges in Northern Shan State
KIA destroying bridges to limit Burma Army movements, including on key trade route into China.
June 15
Chinese dam workers evacuated by Kachin Army
Map of clash locations in relation to Chinese-built dam sites.
June 15
Thousands Flee to China to Escape Kachin Conflict
Thousands of Burmese, mostly Kachin villagers, fled their homes on Tuesday to seek sanctuary in China or took shelter at the China-Burma border as the conflict in Kachin State intensified. Most were from Momauk, Bhamo, Mansi, Waingmaw and areas near Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State. Many villages are now said to be “ghost towns” as troops from the Kachin Independence Army exchange hostilities with the Burmese army nearby. Some estimates put the number of Kachin refugees at up to 10,000 with an unknown number thought to be hiding out in the jungle. (Irrawaddy)
June 15
Kachin Fighting Spreads to Northern Shan State
Clashes broke out last night between Burmese troops and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) at two different locations in northern Shan State, where the KIA’s Battalions 8 and 9 are based, according to a report by the Kachin News Group, quoting KIA officers and local sources. The two KIA battalions are under the command of the Loikang-based KIA’s Brigade 4 in northern Shan State. Battalion 8 is based between Nam Hkam and Nam Hpak Ka towns while Battalion 9 is located in Dak Nai near Kutkai. (Irrawaddy)
June 15
‘Government troops are carrying out a test of their strength’
Interview by Pa-O leader discussing the possibility that resistance groups who currently are not fighting the Burma Army will come to the aid of those who are.
June 14
BGF recruiting new soldier by picking votes
Karen BGF soldiers forcibly enlisting new troops.
June 14
Civil war starts after KIA’s dead line on Monday
The Kachin ceasefire, dating to 1994, is over.
June 14
Nam Hpak Hka suspension bridge immobilized by Kachin armed group
The KIA destroys a bridge to prevent Burma Army troop movements and resupply.
June 14
More Burma Army troops deployed to SSA HQ
Burma Army reinforcing troops near SSA’a Wanhai HQ. New clashes result in five BA KIA casualties.
June 14
Three Pagodas Pass Under Attack
Burma Army refuses Karen demand to withdraw from its TPP base.
June 14
Karen Armed Group Burns House in Three Pagodas Pass
Karen resistance attack business of Burma Army collaborator.
June 13
‘They are not working for the people’
Overview of the conflict in Burma and other issues by Karen leader.
Karen troops demand regime forces withdraw from Mae Khasa village.
June 13
US intercepted N. Korea ship over arms fears
SEOUL (AFP) – The US Navy intercepted a North Korean ship suspected of carrying missiles or other weapons to Myanmar and made it turn back, a senior US official said Monday. The comments by Gary Samore, special assistant to President Barack Obama on weapons of mass destruction, confirmed reports of the incident, which happened last month, in The New York Times and South Korean media. The New York Times said the ship was intercepted south of the Chinese city of Shanghai by a US destroyer on May 26.
June 13
Burma’s obfuscation hides a nuclear secret
Overview of concerns about Burma’s WMD proliferation.
June 13
Shan army loses another base
New attack against SSA by Burma Army, using heavy weapons.
June 13
Kachin armed group gives ultimatum to government to stop offensives
KIO ultimatum following two days of clashes. All out war increasingly likely.
June 13
KIA ‘Loses Patience’ with Burmese Govt
More information on recent clashes and likelihood of expanded conflict.
June 13
Corpse of tortured Kachin soldier returned
Burma Army torturing and killing captured resistance soldiers.
June 11
Battle between Burma Army and KIA resumes at Sang Gang
The second major battle between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army is underway.
June 11
1,000 BGF troops join forces with Karen army
Massive defections from the Karen BGF. The resistance forces are now much stronger.
June 11
Retired DKBA officers face threats, ongoing surveillance
The Burma Army is afraid of a complete collapse in the Karen BGF.
June 11
KNLA attack killed and wounded 13 Burmese soldiers
Description of a recent large clash.
June 10
Burmese Soldier Shot by Border Guard Force in Three Pagodas Pass
More tension between the Burma Army and remaining BGF troops.
June 10
KIA on High Alert after Overnight Fighting
Report on the aftermath of the KIA clash.
June 10
Fighting stops with exchange of captives
More detail on yesterday’s BA-KIA clash.
June 10
Statement on the June 3 attack with chemical weapons.
The Shan State Army (SSA) North fighter who was paralyzed after a severe dose of the black smoke created by the chemical shells on 3 June recovered in about 6 hours, confirmed one of his officers from the 36th Brigade. The Burma Army employed chemical shells on the rebels at the 7th Mile Base, between Tangyan and Monghsu, after a 7 hour attack failed to dislodge them. (SHAN)
June 9
Tightened Security in Sino-Burma border
Discovery of pistols being smuggled from China.
June 9
Overnight Clash in Kachin State
First significant clash between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army.
June 9
Fighting between Kachin and Burmese troops for three hours
Detailed account of the BA-KIA clash. The Burma Army suffered at least nine casualties, including three deaths.
June 8
Dozens of Villagers Forced to Porter in Three Pagodas Pass
Villagers forced to porter by the Burma Army, with some used as human mine sweepers.
June 8
KNLA Situation Report
Significant clashes involving the KNLA for the period May 3-29.
June 8
Fears mount over chemical weapons use
Description of the June 3rd clash where the Burma Army reportedly used chemical weapons against the Shan State Army. Ten BA soldiers died in the battle.
June 8
3 villagers shot by Burma Army soldiers
Soldiers from a Burma Army camp in southern Shan State where a new regional command is being installed opened fire on three local villagers, a father and two sons, after they identified themselves. The father, Sai Ti, was killed, and his sons are now in a local hospital.
June 7
Tight security checks underway at Naypyitaw and Rangoon railway stations
Bomb explosion on May 18th on a train between Mandalay and Naypyitaw, and increase in regime security.
June 7
Being honest about using CW
History of Burma Army use of chemical weapons.
June 7
The BGF Jigsaw Puzzle
Overview of ethnic ceasefire groups, from the Kachin in the north to the Karen and Mon in the south, that have refused to transform to BGF.
June 6
Situation Unstable After Bomb Blast in Three Pagodas Pass
Bomb attack against BA military intelligence office.
June 5
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Uses Forced Portering and Relocates Villagers in Western Karen State
Photo essay of Burma Army soldiers forcing Karen villagers to porter.
June 4
Forcible porterage in some parts of Chin state
Villagers being forced by the Burma Army to carry ammunition in rural Chin State. A precursor of expanded conflict?
June 3
Karen BGF Troops Begin Returning to the DKBA
Update on situation with the Karen BGF.
June 3
SSA clash statement – Burma Army using chemical weapons.
The Shan State Army’s strategic base in Tangyan township, 7 miles south of Mong Gao, attacked from 05:30 up to the time of this reporting. The Burma Army attackers are using chemical weapons, which on explosion, cause dizziness and nausea, claim the defenders. (SHAN) The SSA withdrew at noon, according to Col Perng Fa, Head of SSA liaison team – Editor
June 2
Cash starved DKBA extorts money from drivers
DKBA Brigade 5 short of funds.
MAY
May 31
SSA clash statement.
Col Sai Htoo, Assistant Secretary General #2, Shan State Progress Party, the political arm of the embattled Shan State Army “North” says the group has fought more than 60 clashes since 13 March against the attacking Burma Army, inflicting some 300 casualties while suffering about 10 on its side. “Burmese soldiers at the front send both verbal and written messages to us not to kill them, as they have wives and children and want to return to them” he adds. (SHAN)
May 31
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Attacks and Forced Labor in Western Burma
Descriptions of clashes in Western Burma between the Burma Army and the Arakan Liberation Army and the Chin National Army.
May 31
Mass revolt blurs Karen loyalty
Report that entire BGF Unit 1012 (500 soldiers) is refusing Burma Army demands.
May 31
The Shan Sniper
The Shan State Army-South’s sniper team, an example of a special operations unit, which have been formed by other resistance groups in Burma as well.
May 31
Ten Villagers Forced to Porter for LIB No. 563
Forced portering for the Burma Army in the Three Pagoda Pass area.
May 30
Villagers Flee Fighting in Mae Thasa Village
Impact of a clash by DKBA Brigade 5 troops against Burma Army soldiers, and an overview of the situation in Three Pagodas Pass.
May 30
Two battalions of Burmese reinforcements deployed near KIA position
Burma Army reinforcing positions near KIA Battalion 9 in northern Shan State.
May 30
Gunfire puts Kachin truce on tenterhooks
Clash between KIA and Burma Army near the town of Mansi.
May 30
Burmese government troops use civilians as human shields: KNU
The Burma Army’s continuing war crime of using local villagers, including women, as mine sweepers, human shields, and forced laborers.
May 27
First gunfire in N. Burma after KIA deadline
First shots fired between the Burma Army and the KIA, following the BA’s refusal to withdraw from its outposts near KIA positions.
May 26
Statement on the Use of Karen Civilians for Forced Labor and as Human Shield by Burma Army
Documentation of war crimes: 2,051 villagers forced to labor for the Burma Army and 1,220 villagers forces to act as human shields and human minesweepers. Also reports the murders of seven villagers by Burma Army troops.
May 25
Aung San Suu Kyi condemns sexual violence by Burmese army
Burma’s pro-democracy leader condemns the Burma Army’s continuing war crime of committing sexual violence against ethnic minority women.
May 24
All KIA troops in Northern Burma on alert
Kachin Independence Army troops are placed on alert due to the possibility of clashes with the Burma Army.
May 23
SSA ‘South’, SSA ‘North’ declare ‘We are one’
Shan State Army-North combines with Shan State Army-South to create a unified Shan State Army.
May 19
Militia men from battlefields deserting
Seventy-eight soldiers in militias loyal to the Burma Army have defected since March to the Shan resistance forces. Dozens of Burma Army soldiers have defected as well.
May 19
Bomb Blast in Myawaddy
A bomb blast at the Myawaddy post office, across the river from the Thai town of Mae Sot.
May 18
Karen State Conflict Intensifies
Overview of the conflict in Karen State.
May 16
Junta army employs more militias against Shan rebels
Due to high casualties, the Burma Army is forcing local militias to join its fight against the Shan State Army-North.
Attack on the Mudon telecommunications office.
May 13
Conflict worsening Karen food crisis
Nearly 9,000 villagers face food shortages due to Burma Army operations.
May 12
Civilian shot, killed by Burmese troops
Burma Army soldiers murder Karenni man.
May 12
Wa fighters shot by Burma Army, killing one
Five UWSA soldiers attacked by the Burma Army.
May 12
Karen hospital hit by artillery fire
Joint operation of the DKBA and KNLA against the Burma Army, in which stray shells hit a nearby hospital. Other recent clashes are mentioned as well.
May 11
Burma Army officers killed in Shan ambush
Thirteen BA soldiers, including seven officers, killed in an ambush by the SSA-South.
May 4
Karen State Refugees Flee Latest Clash
500 villagers flee Burma Army-KNLA clashes.
APRIL
April 25-30
KNLA Situation Report
Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.
April 30
Burmese mortar shell falls in KIA area
The Burma Army shells the territory of KIA Battalion 14; claims it was a mistake.
April 17-27
KNLA Situation Report
Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.
April 27
7 villages in Shan East burnt down by Burma Army soldiers
Continuing human rights violations in Shan State.
April 26
Border force defects, attacks Burma unit
Twenty-nine troops of BGF 1012 defect and join the resistance.
April 25
Fighting erupts between government’s troops and breakaway DKBA
Fighting between the Burma Army and DKBA soldiers who refused to join the BGF.
April 25
Three Reportedly Killed in Internal BGF Clash
Conflict between former DKBA soldiers in Border Guard Force unit 1012, who did not want to join the BGF, and other BGF soldiers who did. Also describes desertions to KNLA from BGF 1016, and attack on Burma Army LIB 212 by DKBA Brigade 5 (which refused to join the BGF).
April 25
Seven Civilians Kidnapped by Mon Armed Group
Timber workers kidnapping by Rehmonnya Hong Sar, released after paying ransom.
April 22
Burma Army pursuing 4 cut aims in former ceasefire territories
Renewal of the Burma Army’s scorched earth 4-cut campaign in northern Shan State. First used against the Kachin in the 1960s, and then the Karen in the 1980s, an earlier 4-cut campaign in Shan State in 1996-1998 displaced over 300,000 people in 1,500 villages.
April 22
Junta army has women porters lead the way in war zone
Burma Army forces women in Shan State to porter, threatens them with rape. Also mentions an ambush by the SSA-S on April 12th that killed five BA soldiers and another clash the same day that killed three BA soldiers.
April 21
Villager beaten nearly to death by soldiers in Buthidaung
A villager was beaten by Burma Army soldiers in Arakan State after seeking repayment of a loan from another villager who collaborates with local regime officials.
April 11-20
KNLA Situation Report
Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.
April 20
Burmese government decides to go to war against KIO
Sources in Naypyitaw say that the new Burmese government has decided to go to war with the Kachin Independence Organization.
April 20
Burma Army soldiers fleeing from battlefields in Shan state
Ten BA soldiers defect in southern Shan State. At least ten more were reported killed in a clash with the SSA-S on April 16-17.
April 4-13
KNLA Situation Report
Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.
April 13
Burma military developing a secret weapon in north
Report that the Burma Army is developing chemical weapons at a secret site at Mabein in southern Shan State.
April 12
Human Rights Abuses Reported in Shan State Clashes
Description and map of Burma Army clashes with Shan State Army-North from March 13 through April 6, and associated human rights abuses by the BA.
April 4-9
KNLA Situation Report
Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.
April 9
Wa broke through cordon “with Shan help”
UWSA soldiers escape from Burma Army encirclement.
April 2-7
KNLA Situation Report
Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.
April 6
Chinese army waiting on other side
The Chinese Army is building a new camp across the border from northern Shan State.
April 6
Shan rebels on offensive defense
SSA-North attacks Burma Army.
April 1
Burma Army close all boat routes to Shan army areas
The Burma Army closes all river routes to the territory of the Shan State Army-North.