Anti-Regime Forces Capture Majority of Chin State as Junta Retreats

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the Chin Brotherhood has announced that anti-regime forces now control more than 80 percent of Chin State following the fall of Mindat and Kanpetlet townships over the weekend.

Yaw Mang, the spokesman for the Chin Brotherhood, confirmed that southern Chin State has been “liberated,” and its forces are now advancing on the remaining junta stronghold in Falam, specifically targeting Infantry Battalion 268 in the state’s northern region.

The last remaining junta-controlled areas are confined to the towns of Hakha, Falam, Tedim, and Thantlang, with townships such as Paletwa, Matupi, Kanpetlet, Mindat, and Tonzang already falling under the control of anti-regime forces. Yaw Mang further reported that 13 political prisoners were freed in Mindat, while Kanpetlet was abandoned by the junta forces when anti-regime fighters arrived on Sunday morning.

The Chin Brotherhood’s allies in the region, including the Yaw Defense Force, the Yaw Army from Gangaw District in northern Sagaing Region, and the Monywa People’s Defense Force, have been instrumental in these operations. The group revealed that the offensive had been months in the making, with preparations for attacks on Mindat, Falam, and Kanpetlet commencing four months ago. Operation CB, which began on November 9, has seen significant victories, including the fall of Infantry Battalion 274 in Mindat on Saturday, and the surrender of 168 regime soldiers and police, along with their families, on Friday.

At least 300 junta troops and police are reported to have been detained, along with substantial quantities of weapons and ammunition. The Chin Brotherhood also acknowledged support from the Arakan Army, which provided arms, reinforcements, and military advice to bolster the Mindat operation.

In related developments, the Chin National Army, which operates under the Chinland Council, has launched its own offensive, dubbed Operation Jericho, capturing the Timit plain between Hakha and Thantlang earlier this month. The escalation in Chin State is a testament to the growing strength and coordination among anti-regime forces across Myanmar as they continue to challenge the military junta’s control.