Thousands fled for their lives as the regime conducted airstrikes that destroyed five homes and two homes in a northern Chin State village.

Chin Human Rights Organisation spokesperson Salai Mang Hare Lian said the army attacked Lungtak in Tonzang Township twice on the evening of May 11. Residents of the village and four others sought safety in other areas. He couldn't confirm if there were any civilian casualties during the attack.

The bombardment came at the same time as rumours spread that the Chin National Army (CNA) was clashing with the Zomi Revolutionary Army – Eastern Command (ZRZ-EC) in the township.

Salai Mang Hare Lian was unable to confirm this information.

“I assume the fighting is between CNF-led allied forces and the Military Council, and this is the reason it launched airstrikes in the area,” he said.

Soldiers under the junta have sealed off the town of Tonzang and also blocked the roads around Kye Hkar. Tonzang residents living near the police station already fled when rumours spread that an attack on the town by resistance fighters would be imminent.

On May 3, churches in Tonzang Township and elderly leaders requested that armed groups avoid fighting in the township as it could endanger innocent civilians and cause property destruction.

The Zoland People's Defence Force (PDF), Tonzang Chinland Defence Force, and Thahdo Defence Force—another PDF—are all active in the township.