A number of soldiers have died during intensive fighting between the Burma army and the Chin resistance in Timit Valley, which lies between Hakha and Thangtlang townships in northern Chin State.
Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson of Chin National Front (CNF), the political wing of the Chin National Army (CNA), said that jet fighters bombed them for three days to clear the area for the regime’s ground troops, who were moving in two columns through the valley from Hakha to Thangtlang at the end of May.
He said at least 12 Chin resistance fighters were killed and 10 wounded, while 27 of the enemy died and 15 were wounded when the groups ambushed approximately 150 soldiers crossing the area.
9 Chinland Defence Force (CDF) soldiers and 3 CNA soldiers died after being hit by a shell while trying to rescue their wounded comrades.
CDF from Zophei, Lautu, Hakha and Thangtlang have joined the CNA on the battlefield.
Salai Htet Ni said the regime wanted to take control of Thangtlang town from the resistance forces and was also preparing to attack Camp Victoria again, the CNF headquarters.
“We have received information from the Burma army’s inner circle that they are planning a major offensive against the resistance groups in Chin and Karenni states and Sagaing Region this year, using their air force and excessive ground troops.”