According to Chin revolutionary sources, more than 50 military council soldiers were killed and a large cache of weapons and ammunition were seized during over a month of fighting in Chin State. The conflict began when Chin revolutionary joint forces engaged with military council troops that entered Chin State through Kalay on May 18. The battles continued until the military council forces established a foothold in Mual Pi village in the Siyin region of Tedim Township.
The Chin revolutionary joint forces surrounded and attacked this military stronghold, finally capturing it on the evening of July 5, forcing the military council troops to retreat towards Kalay. In a single day of fighting, 12 military council soldiers’ bodies were discovered, with estimates suggesting over 50 casualties throughout the month-long engagement. Additionally, 8 bodies found in the village were buried, while other casualties occurred from landmine explosions in the forest and mountainous areas. The seized weapons are estimated to include between 50 to 60 firearms, though exact numbers are still being determined as area clearance operations continue.
During the fighting, the Chin revolutionary joint forces lost 12 members. Currently, new military council troops have been spotted advancing from Kalay, potentially either to receive the retreating soldiers or to launch new attacks. The military council forces had extensively mined the area during their month-long occupation, placing explosives along roads, farm paths, and between houses in the village. While 13 mines have been cleared so far, demining operations are expected to continue for another week.
Civilians displaced by the fighting have been warned not to return to their homes until mine clearance operations are complete. The extensive mining by military council forces during their month-long occupation has made the area extremely dangerous, with explosives placed throughout civilian areas including pathways between homes, agricultural routes, and within the village itself. The systematic demining process is crucial for ensuring the safe return of residents to their homes and daily activities.
