The Chin coalition has been engaged in an offensive for four days to seize the Auto Hill-based military camp situated between Hakha, the capital of Chin State, and Thantlang Town. Despite heavy casualties, the junta troops have continued to hold the base.
“We successfully intercepted two vehicles and infantry troops that were sent as reinforcements to the enemy. It appears there were many casualties on their side. We have received information that nearly 50 wounded junta troops have arrived at Hakha hospital due to the fighting. Additionally, we’ve got confirmation that two seriously injured soldiers have died in the hospital,” said Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson for the Chin National Front/Chin National Army (CNF/CNA).
The armed forces of the Chinland Council and the Government of Chinland have launched an offensive against junta bases and outposts situated between Hakha and Thantlang.
On July 22, when the operation began, the Chin coalition successfully captured three junta outposts on Lonkha Hill.
From July 22 to 25, the Chin coalition continued to attack the junta's key base on Auto Hill. Meanwhile, the junta is fiercely resisting by calling in reinforcements.
Salai Htet Ni reported that junta troops deployed in Hakha were fiercely shelling the warzone to provide artillery support. On July 24, a jet fighter also bombed the area, but there were no casualties on the Chin coalition's side.
Simultaneously, Chin coalition forces were also attacking junta positions around downtown Thantlang.
“In downtown Thantlang, the junta has taken positions at three key points. Our troops are also stationed in Thantlang. Since the clash between Thantlang and Hakha started, fighting has spread to Thantlang as well. However, the most intense fighting is currently occurring between Thantlang and Hakha,” Salai Htet Ni said.
The junta troops are stationed at three key points in the town, which is now a charred ruin due to the junta setting the entire town ablaze.
On July 20, Chinland Defense Force-Hakha (CDF-Hakha) fighters raided the Hakha Myoma Police Station and successfully rescued over 60 detainees, including 13 CDF comrades. A few days later, the Chin coalition launched a simultaneous offensive against junta positions between Thantlang and Hakha.
The Chin coalition stated that the military operations at Auto Hill and Lokha Hill were aimed at cutting links between junta troops deployed separately in Hakha and Thantlang.
During this week's clashes, the Chin coalition also seized weapons and ammunition from junta troops.
In addition to CNF/CNA, various other groups are fighting together under the command of the Chinland Council and the Government of Chinland. These groups include the Chinland Defense Force - Hakha (CDF-Hakha), CDF-Thantlang, CDF-Zofa, CDF-Lautu, CDF-Senthang, CDF-KKG, CDF-Vakok, and the People's Defense Army (PDA).