On May 13, 11 members of the Military Council were killed in three battles that took place on the same day between the Military Council troops and the Chin Defense Joint Forces near Zokhua village in Hakha Township, Chin State.
The clashes between the Military Council troops and the Chin Defense Joint Forces have persisted for over 20 days between Hakha and Gangaw, starting from the second week of April.
A CNF/CNA spokesperson said, "They were initially marching with approximately 200 troops in April, but in May now the remaining troops are estimated to be merely 50. The current situation suggests a higher likelihood of injured soldiers, as they were transported using three helicopters. Our estimation for the death toll ranges between 60 and 70."
The 77th Division, having sustained injuries during the battle and only 50 soldiers left , embarked in May on a march from Gangaw Township, Magway Region, to gain reinforcements from another military column comprising 70 more soldiers. Together with a combined strength of around 120 troops , they proceeded along the forest road towards Hakha Township and engaged in a fierce battle with the Chin Defense Joint Forces.
Chin National Front (CNF/CNA) spokesman Salai Htet Ni reported that during the march between Zokhua and Sakta villages, the Chin Defense Joint Forces ambushed the troops of the Military Council, resulting in the death of 11 soldiers.
"Today three battles occurred. The first battle took place at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Another engagement happened at 2 o'clock, and in another location at 2:30 pm. There were a total of three battles in different locations throughout the day. 11 soldiers from the Military Council lost their lives there, and the casualty count could be higher," said Salai Htet Ni.
According to Salai Htet Ni, back in April, the 77th Division, comprising approximately 200 troops, embarked on a foot march to Hakha Township through Gangaw Township in Magway Region. Their intention was to reach Hakha Township within a span of around 3 days. However, their progress was impeded by relentless attacks from the Chin Defense Joint Forces, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries along the way, Salai Htet Ni added.
In the conflict between Hakha and Gangaw, the Chin Defense Joint Forces confiscated 15 weapons from the Military Council troops. They also seized the bullets that were airdropped by the Military Council from a helicopter in early May.