Thirteen ethnic Chin resistance fighters were killed and more than 10 others were injured on Monday in a failed attempt to occupy junta bases near the strategic mountaintop town of Thantlang in the western state, according to the Chin National Army (CNA), the armed wing of Chin National Front, which coordinated the attack.
Intense fighting began at 5am and lasted about 10 hours near the deserted, mountaintop town on Monday, Chin National Front (CNF) spokesperson Salai Htet Ni told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday.
Four Chin resistance groups attacked four military bases, including the main base—a hilltop military outpost of Infantry Battalion 169 near the mountain, Salai Htet Ni said.
Resistance forces ambushed three military trucks carrying reinforcements from Hakha, Chin State’s capital, as they approached Thantlang, he said.
About 30 regime forces were killed and many others were injured during the 10-hour battle, according to Salai Htet Ni.
The Irrawaddy was unable to independently confirm casualty numbers.
Junta fighter jets conducted airstrikes to protect its bases and artillery units from Hakha Town shelled resistance forces during the battle
Resistance forces retreated from the area due to constant and heavy bombardment, according to the CNF.
Thantlang is at the frontline between junta troops and Chin resistance forces.
The town’s entire population fled in September 2021 after being bombarded by junta forces.
Previously, it had been the target of repeated arson attacks, shelling and airstrikes by junta forces.
The junta has deployed between 150 and 200 troops at the military bases in and around the incinerated town. The main base is on a hilltop nearby.
“If we can take the military bases in [and around] the town, we will have an advantage for our long-term military operations. Thantlang is a strategic base for us,” Salai Htet Ni said.
On August 12, Chin resistance groups raided the headquarters of a military battalion based in nearby Falam Town, seizing its arsenal after inflicting a high number of casualties.
