ABSDF 102 MaeNerPlaw (1992)

ABSDF soldiers from my camp (ABSDF 102). This was taken at Naw Ta battle front, MaNerPlaw battle. 3 division of Burmese soldiers attack an approximately 10 miles long battle line. They used many heavy weapons including 105 mm Howitzer, 75 mm recoiless rifles, 120 mm heavy motors, 82 mm and 81 mm motors. They successfully repulsed the attack. The following year, MaNerPlaw was taken without a heavy fight by help of a break away Karen group (Democratic Buddhist Karen Army). I was already in the US at that time.

These pictures tell the story of the world's only volunteer student army (ABSDF) soldiers life in the front line.




These pictures of troops from ABSDF 102 camp were taken at MaNerPlaw, Karen rebel's headquarter, before they left for Naw Ta front line. Burmese military launched three major offenses to occupy the area. Three Burmese infantry divisions did participate in the frontal attack and three another divisions supported the attack ( total number about 50, 000 soldiers). They used 105 mm howitzers, 120 mm/81 mm/82 mm large motors, and 57/75 mm recoiless rifles. Combined rebel forces including student fighters repulsed the attack. Finally, a Karen splinter group (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army) defected to the Burmese regime. The defensive line controlled by DKBA was taken by Burmese army without a fight. MaNerPlaw fell without a severe fight after that.