Intense fighting between junta forces and Government of Chinland coalition forces was ongoing as of 22 October 2024 at the police station in Thantlang Town, Chin State.
The Government of Chinland coalition forces launched the assault on the police station at 3:00 am on 22 October, as of 11.30 am the fighting was ongoing.
Salai Htet Ni, a spokesperson for the Chin National Front/Chin National Army (CNF/CNA), one of the groups involved in the attack on the police station said: “It’s true that there is intense fighting in Thantlang [Town] today. However, the fighting has not ended yet. The details of the casualties are still unknown. The fighting is currently happening at the police station.”
The junta also launched four airstrikes in an attempt to defend the police station.
The attack on the police station was part of an offensive by the Chin forces to completely capture Thantlang Town which they still have not done as junta forces still control the National League for Democracy (NLD) office building and the police station in Thantlang.
Junta and Chin forces have been fighting every day in the areas where Hakha and Thantlang Townships meet. In the last three days junta forces in those areas have suffered significant casualties, according to Salai Htet Ni.
On 13 October, the junta left Hakha with seven military vehicles, aiming to regain control of strategically vital bases they had lost in the area between Hakha and Thantlang townships. Fighting erupted on 14 October, and recent reports indicate that Chin forces have encountered setbacks, losing control of some bases.
The junta is sending troop reinforcements from Hakha Town to Thantlang Town. Heavy fighting including artillery and drone strikes is ongoing in Thantlang Town and the area between Hakha and Thantlang townships.
Fighting in those areas has already resulted in significant casualties to both sides.