On the morning of 16 January, the military council camp in Taingen village in Tedim Township of Chin State was completely captured. A total of 30 military council soldiers and eight soldiers from the joint Chin Defense Force were killed in the battle to capture the camp, CDF CDM-Siyin spokesperson Salai Rambai said.
In 2023, the joint Chin defense force raided Taingen military camp four times, resulting in casualties on both sides. The joint force completely captured it at 5th times.
“It was very difficult. Members from the Chin National Army (CNA) also said that it was the hardest camp they had ever seen. The place is narrow and covers about 70 meters. The camp is compact and has very good pits. It also has high-quality bunkers,” he added.
The combined force of CNF/CNA, CDF CDM-Siyin, CDF-KKG, CDF-Thangtlang, CDF-Hakha, CDF-Haulngoram, CDF-Zanniatram, TCDF and the PDA launched an offensive against the camp on 12 January and completely captured it at 7:30 am on 16 January, the spokesperson of CDF CDM-Siyin said.
“During the battle to capture the camp, the joint force phoned and warned junta soldiers repeatedly to surrender, but they refused because family members remained in the army. Military leaders have threatened their family members. There was no one alive in the camp. No one escaped,” Salai Yan Bwe added.
A total of soldiers and police members including a captain and a police officer were killed in the fighting. For the joint force, eight—one from the CNA, four from CDF-KKG, one from CDF-Thantlang, one from CDF-Hakha and one from CDF/CDM-Siyin, were killed and more than 40 others wounded, he said.
Many members of the joint Chin force were wounded by heavy shelling. According to the CDF CDM-Siyin spokesperson, a large quantity of weapons and ammunition were also seized during the battle for the camp, and more details will be released.
The joint force had to fight for about five days to capture the camp. Since fighting began on 12 January, the military council provided air support and fired a lot of heavy shells from Kalay.
Four drones of the joint force were destroyed in the battle of Taingen, and each drone is worth around 90 million MMK.
The Taingen military base is located on Union Road, which is the main gateway to all the towns in northern Chin State and is also located on the main road for India-Myanmar trade.
“We are very grateful to the people who have been patient and understanding. Area clearance operations have also started in order that this road can be reused, Salai Yan Bwe, Spokesperson of CDF CDM-Siyin continued.
It has been almost two months since the shutdown of Kalay- Taingen road. As some local residents are facing difficulties, the area is being cleared to reopen the road as soon as possible.
Sent by KMG