Myanmar regime bombs headquarters of Chin resistance group, killing one

An airstrike on the headquarters of a Chin resistance force killed at least one member in northern Chin State’s Thantlang Township on Thursday, as Myanmar’s junta intensifies its offensive in the area, according to local residents and military sources. The attack on the headquarters of the Chinland Defence Force-Zophei (CDF-Zophei), a member of the Chinland Council, began shortly after 8:30am, sources said. Fighter jets and Y-12 transport aircraft reportedly dropped at least 10 bombs on the facility. A local military source said seven aircraft participated in the attack. “Starting around 8:40 this morning, seven aircraft bombed the CDF-Zophei headquarters. There are casualties and damage, but exact details remain unclear,” the source said. Sources confirmed that one female member of CDF-Zophei was killed, though additional information on casualties and damage was not immediately available. A spokesperson for CDF-Thantlang said fighter jets initially dropped 10 bombs on the Zophei area before Y-12 aircraft carried out additional strikes. Attempts to reach representatives of CDF-Zophei, the Chinland Council's Ministry of Defence, and the Chin National Front for comment were unsuccessful. Myanmar’s military junta did not issue an official statement on the attack, but pro-regime Telegram channels reported that more than 30 bombs were dropped on the CDF-Zophei headquarters between 8am and 9am. The airstrike came as junta forces continue a major offensive aimed at regaining control of Chin State, where resistance groups have seized significant territory since the 2021 military coup. Since recapturing Falam in April, junta troops have pushed southward toward Hakha and Thantlang. On June 4, more than 200 soldiers supported by four vehicles advanced toward Thantlang from Hakha, the state capital, triggering intense clashes. According to a CDF-Thantlang spokesperson, junta forces re-entered the town of Thantlang on Tuesday after five days of sustained attacks involving airstrikes, artillery, and drones. The spokesperson said resistance fighters temporarily withdrew under heavy bombardment but continue to fight for control of the town. “Control over Thantlang is roughly evenly divided,” he said, adding that resistance forces are preparing to prevent further junta advances. Much of Thantlang was destroyed by fire during fighting that erupted in late 2021. Most residents remain displaced, while the military and resistance groups continue battling for control of Chin State. Last month, the regime retook Tonzang in the state’s north near India, and in recent weeks it has stepped up its efforts to advance into the south through neighbouring Magway Region.

Myanmar regime bombs headquarters of Chin resistance group, killing one

The attack in Thantlang Township comes days after junta troops forced their way into its administrative centre earlier this week

Subscribe for full access

After 100 days of ‘civilian’ rule, Myanmar remains a bastion of oppression

‘We cannot write as before’: Women poets of Myanmar’s Spring Revolution

Sent to die: Myanmar’s conscripts caught between a junta’s war and a nation’s collapse

Magway emerges as key front in junta’s strategy to claw back control of western Myanmar

Subscribe for full access

Related Articles

ASEAN envoy meets Myanmar junta, ethnic armed groups in Thailand as NUG questions exclusion

Russian troops, Myanmar junta forces hold small-scale joint military exercise in Naypyitaw

Associates of resistance leader questioned following his escape from NUG custody

ASEAN ministers push stalled peace plan in Myanmar talks