Heavy fighting erupted between the Chinland Defense Force (CDF) and the Military Council, resulting in the loss of at least five Junta troops.The clashes occurred in the border region between Kanpetlet Township in Chin State and Saw Township in Magway Township.

Spokesperson from the CDF-Kanpetlet's Khonu battalion reported that, a clash occurred on July 18th resulting in the loss of lives of at least five regime soldiers. Several other soldiers were reported injured during the incident.

During the morning hours, CDF and allied forces conducted a joint operation between Masartwi village in Kanpetlet Township and Swelekyin village in Saw Township, aiming to neutralize a Military Council column consisting of around 300 soldiers.

"A CDF member sustained minor injuries in the skirmish, while it is believed that the Military Council suffered at least 5 casualties, although exact details are unknown. Our CDF youth retaliated by opening fire as the Military Council advanced. There is a potential for further escalation in the upcoming days. Masartwi village, located near the conflict zone, is deserted as all residents have evacuated”, spokesperson of Khonu battalion said.

Following the casualties incurred during the battle, the Military Council resorted to deploying two fighter aircraft at approximately 11:00 am to conduct aerial bombardment in the vicinity of Masartwi village.

"They carried out three sorties, firing from the air for approximately 7 minutes. As a result of the airstrike, a BCM church and several houses suffered damage, but fortunately, no injuries were reported”, the spokesperson added.

However the regime ‘s military propaganda claimed via Telegram social media that “heavy fighting near Yinke village in Saw Township resulted in the loss of 5 fighters from CDF and joint forces.”

From July 14th to 18th, resistance forces, including the Chin National Army (CNA) and CDF-Kanpetlet, launched offensive skirmishes against the Military Council's attempt to deliver weapons and provisions to Kyindway village in Kanpetlet Township, located in the southern region of Chin State.

As a result of the ongoing conflict, approximately 2000 locals residing near the Chin-Mgway border have been forced to flee their homes. With the military confrontation expected to persist for months, there is an urgent need for shelter, food, and medical assistance to support these displaced individuals.