Chin armed groups have seized Rezua in Matupi Township, southern Chin State, the third town to come under the control of the resistance in the state since offensives have escalated in November.
“Our objective was to liberate our town from the military council,” Salai Danny, in charge of Zotung Chinland Defence Force (CDF), told Khonumthung News, while explaining their offensives are a consequence of 1027 Operation, spearheaded by Three Brotherhoods Alliance in northern Shan State a month ago.
He said they captured the State Administration Council’s camp and the town on the fifth day since launching its ZZLMS Operation. Each letter represents the CDFs involved: Zotung, Zophei, Lautu, Mara, Senthang. Chin National Front/Chin National Army is helping steer these efforts.
The CDFs have captured many SAC soldiers alive and seized their weapons from their camp. According to The Rihli Voice, 25 soldiers were taken into custody. There were also SAC casualties, but Salai Danny didn’t provide details. He did say a CDF fighter from his group and Mara were killed in battle, and five other comrades were wounded.
“With the people’s support, we finally seized the town. This was a joint operation…All resistance groups were united in the attack on the Burma army,” he said, thanking them for their help in their area.
Informed about the offensive, town residents left for safety on November 25, a day before it started. By Wednesday morning, Rezua had fallen to the resistance fighters. Many homes and buildings were damaged after SAC flew 20 airstrikes against the Chin fighters on Tuesday and Wednesday.
CNF/CNA and CDFs from Mara, Lautu, and Zophei captured Lailengpi in the township on November 24. The resistance also captured the Rihkhawdar border town in mid-November.
“We will continue to attack the Burma army and seize all the towns in Chin State that remain,” explained Salai Danny.