On Thursday, Matupi Chinland Defense Force (CDF) deployed landmines during an assault on a 200-strong column serving under the State Administration Council (SAC) along the Matupi – Mindat road in southern Chin State.
According to Salai Naing John Keim from the Chin armed group, while they cannot confirm the exact number of casualties, he stated that at least six junta soldiers from Infantry Battalion 304 were seriously injured in the attack.
One soldier lost both legs, another lost one, a soldier suffered eye injuries, and three more were seriously wounded by the explosions.
In retaliation, IB 304 attacked civilians’ homes, setting fire to nearly all 60 houses in Chan Pyan village, located just seven miles from Matupi town.
Only nine homes remained standing after the attack. Villagers had already fled before the arrival of the SAC soldiers.
The CDF reported that half of the soldiers returned to Matupi town, while 100 remained in Chan Pyan. With both sides still present in the area, the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further conflict at any moment.
The resistance group has cautioned locals to avoid using the road or visiting their farms or hunting grounds while SAC forces are in the region.