Local frontline sources reported that Burmese Army again resorts to using artillery shells filled with chemical agents in the latest encounter near Pang Hkawn Yang on March 12. About 400 Burmese soldiers advanced towards KIA’s 5^th Battalion territory. After inhaling smoke from artillery shell, 10 KIA soldiers suffered from symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and itchiness associated with chemical weapons, said source.

On another front, Burmese Army troops under 389^th and 390^th battalions stationed at Mali Yang reportedly fired heavy artillery shells to Gang Dau Yang village office and KIA’s Hka Mut post on March 12. Newly reinforced and replenished Burmese troops arrived at Burmese Army’s Gang Dau Yang post with 5 trucks and 50 horses loaded with food packages and military equipment.

Though both sides have met recently and said troops in conflict areas will be reduced, the movements on the ground suggest otherwise, said a local observer.