Fighting between Chin Brotherhood and Burma army continues in Matupi Township after the former group captured Matupi town as part of its Operation CB. The Chin armed coalition toppled the regime’s Light Infantry Battalion 304 installation, which is south of the town on June 17.
In a statement, Chin Brotherhood said it will do everything within its power to force the Burma army from Matupi Township. Troops under Matupi Chinland Defence Force Brigade 1, Yaw Army, and Arakan Army are supporting the operation to topple the regime’s remaining positions in the township, such as Infantry Battalion 140 and a strategic hilltop camp north of Matupi town.
As the regime was flying airstrikes in Matupi, it warned civilians to take care.
The offensive was delayed for nearly a week after encountering Chinland Council, another group opposed to the regime but not aligned with Chin Brotherhood.
This led to a six-day gunfight between the opposing Chin forces resulting in at least five casualties.
Chin Brotherhood drove them out on June 24, allowing its offensive against the junta to resume. The following day, it took several more of the Burma army’s outposts.
Chin Brotherhood claims Chinland Council buried many concealed landmines around the mountain between Nga Lai and Phanai villages, near where its soldiers were stationed. The group warned civilians to avoid the area until it can be cleared.
Some analysts suggest that Chinland Council may be concerned that if Chin Brotherhood took all of Matupi Township, it could also control the rest of Chin State and why it sent troops to fight with them in Matupi town.
Both of these Chin coalitions, which were formed fairly recently by armed groups fighting against the Military Council, have blamed each other for the clashes in the town.