In Chin State, following the appointment of a new Minister of Security and Border Affairs, the Military Council has initiated military preparations in several townships, indicating a potential escalation in military actions in the region, according to Chin resistance forces.
In Chin State, following the removal of Minister of Security and Border Affairs Colonel Han Win Aung from his post and his replacement with former Matupi Tactical Operation Commander Colonel Thein Tun Aung, Chin resistance forces have reported that certain townships are also undergoing changes in their Military Council Tactical Operation Commanders.
"We've noticed changes in the Ministers of Security and Border Affairs occurring in regions marked by heightened military tension. This could be indicative of a lack of accountability from higher authorities. Making such shifts in areas of intense conflict suggests an instability. These changes may be part of an effort to enhance both the military and administrative aspects," commented Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson for the Chin National Army (CNF/CNA).
He mentioned that as the Chin National Front (CNF) gears up to escalate its military activities, the conflict in the Hakha and Thantlang regions could further escalate. This heightened tension can be attributed in part to the Military Council's ongoing military restructuring within Chin State.
At the beginning of September, the Military Council made significant alterations by appointing new Ministers of Security and Border Affairs in regions such as Chin, Karen, Kayah (Karenni), Kachin, and Mandalay, which are known for their strong resistance movements.
Colonel Thein Tun Aung, now serving as the new Minister of Security and Border Affairs in Chin State, previously held the position of Tactical Operation Commander in Matupi Township. During his tenure as Tactical Operation Commander, reports surfaced indicating that he faced demotion owing to the significant casualties suffered by the Military Council troops in the battles near Mindat Township and within Matupi Township.
"As soon as this change occurred, we received immediate reports. Not only in Matupi, Chin State, but also in other regions, military tensions have begun to surface. It appears that this year, the Military Council is gearing up for more military activity than the previous year, as indicated by the military updates reaching Matupi. We remain vigilant and prepared," emphasized Matupi-CDF Secretary General Nai John Kim.
Moreover, it was stated that the reason behind appointing the Tactical Operation Commander, who was responsible for the high casualties among Military Council troops in Matupi, as the Minister of Security and Border Affairs remains unknown but is subject to suspicion.
Matupi township has also witnessed numerous actions and personnel shifts, with frequent replacements of Tactical Operation Commanders. An official from Matupi-CDF mentioned that they are unable to confirm the identity of the new Tactical Operation Commander.
At the Military Council base in Mindat township, some residents have stated that leadership changes have occurred.
Salai Timmy, the Secretary General of the Chinland Joint Defense Committee (CJDC), expressed that the Military Council's decision to replace the Minister of Security and Border Affairs in Chin State is believed to be aimed at altering the military strategy. Moreover, he mentioned that changes are being implemented at the battalion level, and the Military Council is displaying deep concern about soldiers joining the CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement).
"The present military situation in Chin State doesn't show much aggression from their side; the military appears relatively calm. Our defense forces are also in a state of readiness. In the event they do not launch offensives, we have extensive plans in place for camp capture operations."
In Chin State, during the initial year of armed resistance, only one Military Council camp was captured. However, in the second year, a total of eight Military Council camps were captured, as indicated in the 2-year armed resistance report released by the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG) on September 7.
Following the Military Council's removal of General Mya Tun Oo from the position of Minister of Defense on August 3, replacing him with General Tin Aung San, five regions and states, including Chin, which had active resistance movements, saw changes in the position of Minister of Security and Border Affairs at the beginning of this month.
On July 13, Military Council leader Min Aung Hlaing issued orders to his top military and civilian leaders, instructing them to intensify the offensive operations aimed at regaining control of the Chin, Sagaing, and Karenni regions.
