Fighting is continuing between Chin anti-regime forces and advancing Myanmar junta forces in northern Chin State.
Battles are reported on the Kale-Tedim road in Tedim Township near Mualpi and Hiangzing villages approaching Tedim town.
Around 800 junta troops, led by a divisional commander, began to advance from Kale in Sagaing Region on May 18 but they were halted by resistance attacks near Mualpi, about 27km from Kale.
Nine junta soldiers were captured by Kale People’s Defense Force (PDF), while at least 20 more soldiers deserted. Many of the junta troops were reportedly drafted under the Conscription Law.
Chin National Army spokesman Salai Htet Ni told The Irrawaddy: “We have captured nine junta soldiers who fled the battle. Fighting is ongoing between Mualpi and Hiangzing. We are trying to prevent further advances. Around five battalions are looking to reclaim lost territory and reestablish control.
“We face large numbers of junta troops, so we are coordinating fighting with the Chin Brotherhood. Despite the ideological divisions with the Chinland Council, we need to root out the regime militarily. So we are cooperating for this fight.”
Both sides have suffered casualties and a resistance platoon commander was killed on May 21, said Salai Htet Ni.
There have been tensions between the Chinland Council and Chin Brotherhood, despite both groups fighting the regime in Chin State.
Other resistance groups involved in the fighting include the Siyi Chin Defense Force (CDF), Zoland PDF and Chin Nationalities Defence Force.
The Chinland Council was formed in December with more than 100 groups, including the CNF, which was founded in 1988, and ousted Chin MPs and other anti-regime organizations.
The Chin Brotherhood includes the Zomi Federal Union, Chin National Organization, Mindat Chin National Council, Maraland Defense Force, Kampelet CDF and Matupi CDF Brigade 1.
Military analysts believe the junta aims to establish a base at Taingen village in Tedim Township.
The village is strategically located at the junction to Falam, which is controlled by the Chin Brotherhood, and Tongzan, held by the Chinland Council, on the road to the Indian border.
Resistance groups have been fighting over Tedim town.
Salai Htet Ni said the regime’s offensive aims to recover territory ahead of elections promised for December or January.
Last week’s clashes have displaced over 1,000 civilians from at least five villages along the Kale-Taingen road.
Six out of nine Chin townships are under resistance control, while the junta holds Hakha, Thantlang and Tedim towns.
On May 20, the Siyin CDF announced the temporary closure of the Kale-Taingen road.
