Several Chin armed groups captured a military camp in Taingen from the State Administration Council (SAC) on Tuesday morning after a five-day attack on the regime’s position in the village in Tedim Township.
Salai Ram Bwi, Chinland Defense Force/Civil Defense Militia-Siyin ( CDF/CDM-Siyin) spokesperson, stated that 30 SAC soldiers and 8 Chin fighters were killed during the clash. The resistance forces attacked the camp four times in 2023 but were repelled each time until now.
“It’s really difficult to attack Taingen military camp. Some experienced Chin National Army (CNA) soldiers told us it was the hardest one for them because the conflict area is so narrow—about 70 meters wide. The soldiers from the Burma army built formidable bunkers in their camp, making it challenging to attack them,” he said.
In addition to CDF/CDM-Siyin, CNA, CDF-Kalay Kabaw Gangaw, CDF-Thangtlang, CDF-Hakha, CDF-Hualngoram, TCDF, and PDA jointly attacked the camp.
“We are currently collecting weapons and military equipment from the camp, so we cannot say how many weapons we will seize,” explained an officer from CDF/CDM-Siyin.
SAC launched multiple airstrikes and artillery attacks from Kalay town. Both sides suffered casualties during the big battle.
Salai Ram Bwi said they gave the regime soldiers a chance to surrender. “We told them that we would attack them until we win. But they replied that their family members were living in their battalion headquarters and refused to surrender to us.” Their military leaders, holding onto their families, pressured them to keep fighting. In the end, all SAC soldiers were killed, and none escaped.
The 30 deceased SAC soldiers include a captain, a police captain, and 28 regular soldiers and policemen.
The 8 Chin fighters include a soldier from CNA, 4 from CDF-KKG, 1 from CDF-Thangtlang, 1 from CDF-Hakha, and 1 from CDF/CDM-Siyin. Over 40 resistance fighters suffered casualties, many wounded by the artillery fire. The Chin groups lost four drones valued at about 90 million kyat.
The village of Taingen, situated along the Union Highway connecting Kalay town in Sagaing Region to the India border, holds strategic and economic value as it connects all the towns in northern Chin State. Before being overrun, SAC maintained an essential checkpoint to inspect all travelers passing through the area.
SAC blocked the Kalay–Taingen vehicle road for nearly two months, trapping villagers in the area and preventing trucks and busses from traveling between towns.
“Finally, we have captured Taingen military camp. We thank our people for understanding us. We will open this road after we clear the area,” said Salai Ram Bwi.