In Thantlang, Chin State, new violence has erupted

On Monday, Myanmar army personnel on patrol were ambushed by the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) in the nearly empty town of Thantlang, Chin State.

A CDF-Thantlang spokeswoman reported that their members "intercepted and attacked" a 40-soldier squad on a nearby road that morning.

According to a CDF spokesperson, a junta base on a neighbouring hill offered cover for their men by firing heavy artillery at resistance fighters, although no civilian residences were struck.

At the time of reporting, the number of casualties was unknown.

Gunfire was exchanged for almost half an hour, according to one of the estimated 30 remaining Thantlang villagers who spoke to Myanmar Now.

“We're all cowering in terror.
He added, "I don't know what happened since I haven't dared to step outside."

Those who have remained in the town, which had a population of 8,000 people before, are from two Thantlang houses or are in an orphanage.

At the time of reporting, over 200 junta troops were still stationed in Thantlang, positioned strategically on a hill overlooking the town.

A united army of fighters from the CDF-Thantlang and the Chin National Army stormed a junta base in Thantlang on September 18, killing roughly 30 troops, according to reports.

The military retaliated by shelling the town, demolishing 18 homes and a government building, killing a pastor, and causing nearly all of Thantlang's population to escape.

The CDF-Thantlang attacked junta soldiers examining overnight visitor lists in the town on September 9, killing two soldiers and burning one residence, according to reports.

More than 10,000 people of Thantlang Township have fled to villages near the India-Myanmar border or India's Mizoram state since hostilities in Chin State escalated in June.