On 8 February, Chin resistance groups clashed with the Burma Army in the Zotung region of Matupi Township in southern Chin State. The intense armed clash took place from noon until 2 p.m.
The combined forces of six armed groups – the Chin National Army, the Matupi Chinland Defense Force, the Zotung Chinland Defense Force, the Senthang Chinland Defense Force, the Lautu Chinland Defense Force, and the Zophei Chinland Defense Force – clashed with Burma Army soldiers.
A representative of the Zotung Chinland Defense Force (CDF–Zotung) reported that the Burma army suffered many causalities during the clash. The source reported that there were no causalities among any of the Chin resistance groups’ combined forces. Two assault rifles were reportedly captured from the Burma Army.
Following the clash, the Burma Army military column stayed the night in a civilian village about 20 miles from Rezua town in Matupi Township.
“They are staying in a village, which is located about 20 miles from Rezua town. Probably, clashes will continue in the area,” Salai Day Ni, the head of the CDF–Zotung Information Department, told Khonumthung news.
The CDF–Zotung representative warned local people to not travel between Rezua town and Matupi town right now because clashes could occur at any time in the area.
Chin resistance groups have had armed clashes with the Burma Army in the Zotung region since 4 February. Following the initial clash on 4 February, the Burma Army abducted 10 civilians to use as human shields, only two of whom have been released.
Since then at least 10 Burma Army soldiers have been killed in clashes, according to the CDF–Zotung source. Two CDF–Zotung soldiers, including a battalion commander, were also reported killed during the clashes in Zotung region. Khonumthung News has not been able to independently verify these casualty figures.