Rival Chin coalitions join forces to halt advance of junta convoy

The Chin Brotherhood and the Chinland Council say they are joining forces to block a junta convoy advancing into northern Chin State from the town of Kalay in Sagaing Region. The move was announced during an online press conference on Wednesday, where it was revealed that the convoy, consisting of 15 vehicles and carrying more than 200 ground troops, left Kalay on May 20. The Chin Brotherhood’s spokesperson, Salai Yaw Mang, told reporters that the convoy had entered the state through Khaikam, a town in Tedim Township some seven miles west of Kalay. “It originated in Kalay, moved through Khaikam, and is currently positioned at Mualpi, where fighting has been ongoing since late May,” he said, referring to a village in Tedim Township less than eight miles by road west of Khaikam. He added that the resistance forces aim to prevent the convoy from reaching the village of Taingen, from which it would be able to advance on to the town of Tedim or Falam, which is currently under the control of the Chin Brotherhood. While he declined to provide details regarding recent clashes in the area, Salai Yaw Mang said that a number of junta soldiers had surrendered to the Chin forces. He also said that another, even larger convoy is advancing towards southern Chin State from Magway Region. The 100-vehicle convoy is currently situated in Kamma, a town in Magway, where it is being carefully monitored by the resistance forces, he said. The regime has been deploying paramotors to drop bombs ahead of the convoy’s advance, he said. While the Chin Brotherhood and the Chinland Council have agreed to work together to carry out joint military operations in Tedim Township, rivalry between their subordinate units continues in other townships. The two forces have agreed in principle to unify as the Chin National Council, but further discussions remain necessary, according to the Chin Brotherhood. The Chin Brotherhood is entirely made up of anti-junta armed groups established since Myanmar’s 2021 military coup. The Chinland Council was established in December 2023 under the leadership of the Chin National Front, a veteran armed force.

Rival Chin coalitions join forces to halt advance of junta convoy

The Chin Brotherhood and the Chinland Council say they are working together to defend northern Chin State from regime forces entering from Kalay in Sagaing Region

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