After enduring many airstrikes, the Chin resistance seized a second strategic town on the border with India from State Administration Council (SAC), situated in southern Chin State.
Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson for Chin National Front/Chin National Army (CNF/CNA), said, “We have captured Lailengpi—the town has fallen completely under our control.” SAC troops deserted their base when they attacked, he said, but couldn’t say where.
CNF/CNA and Chinland Defence Forces from Mara, Matupi, Lautu, and Zophei started attacking SAC’s camp in the town on November 20, and seized it despite facing an onslaught of jet fighters who dropped many bombs on their positions.
“The airstrikes made it difficult for our troops to seize their camp, but we did it after attacking for four long days. In Lailengpi, I think the Burma army launched the second-highest number of airstrikes after Thangtlang,” the spokesperson said, referring to the bombed-out town in the north of the state, where SAC has destroyed most of the houses.
The officer couldn’t provide a casualty report as of the time this report is going to press but said SAC’s camp held 30 soldiers before being overrun. Some weapons were captured after they fled. There were rumours that a SAC major was killed in battle, but Khonumthung News wasn’t able to verify this with the CNF/CNA officer.
The spokesperson said Mara CDF will install an administration in the town to ensure that the “rule of law” and “security” will prevail. “Local people will lead a people’s administration in Lailengpi.”
This month, resistance groups also captured Rihkhawdar in the north of the state. Both towns have been captured along the India border, facilitating improved coordination between Chin resistance forces in the south and north, all striving to topple the military regime.