Dozens of regime soldiers have been killed during battles with resistance groups in Hakha and Thangtlang townships, according to the Chin National Front (CNF), whose military wing, the Chin National Army (CNA), along with a consortium of Chin resistance groups, are fighting the regime in northern Chin State.

The Burma Army (BA) sent 40 soldiers to free junta soldiers pinned down by the resistance fighters. Some of these men died on the way when they were attacked by the CNA, Chin Joint Defence Committee’s Special Force and CDF fighters from Hakha, Thangtlang, Zophei, Lautu and Mara.

A CNF officer told Khonumthung News that at least 25 regime soldiers have been killed and 20 injured since clashes began near Hakha town and Thida village on 13 October.

3 CNF soldiers and 1 CDF were also killed and 1 CNF soldier was injured. After several BA jet fighters attacked the resistance groups to drive them out of the area and rescue their soldiers.

Khonumthung News cannot independently confirm any of this information.

Near the Chin State capital, a BA shell killed two six-year-old boys and injured a six-year-old girl in Bun Lung at 3pm on 19 October.

“The shell landed on the road when the children were returning from school,” said the village pastor.

James Siang Za Uk and Henry Bawi Za Lian died shortly after the shell attack and Nancy Ca Len Par is receiving medical attention at the hospital.

According to locals, at the time of the shelling there was no fighting near the village, which is about 20 miles from Hakha.