On the morning of 24 November, the joint Chin defense forces captured Lalengpi in Matupi Township of Chin State, said Salai Htet Ni, Spokesperson of the Chin National Front/Chin National Army (CNF/CNA).
“We could capture it today (24 November). The majority of junta soldiers abandoned the outposts. It is not yet known where they withdrew. Now we are clearing the area as soon as possible. We have taken control of it,” Salai Htet Ni said.
On 20 November, the joint forces started attacking the military council’s base in Lalengpi, where there were more than 30 troops. The military council carried out aerial bombardments several times. Only on the morning of 24 November, it was completely captured.
The military council’s airstrikes could prevent us from capturing the camp. Only on the 4th day, we could take control of it. Lalengpi experienced the most airstrikes in the town-capture battle after the Thantlang battle. The military council’s casualties in the Lalengpi battle is not yet known. Most of junta soldiers ran away. The joint force seized arms and weapons from the military council, Salai Htet Ni added.
There are reports of the death of a major from the military council in the battle, but it has not yet been confirmed.
Lalengpi is the second town that can be captured by the Joint Chin defense forces in Chin State. Public administration activities will be implemented there, Salai Htet Ni said.
“Under the leadership of the CNF and Chinland Defense Force (CDF)-Mara, we will implement the residents-led administration for regional security, rule of law and town administration” Salai Htet Ni said.
Lalengpi which is located near the India-Myanmar border is the main route where the defense forces in the northern and southern regions of Chin State conduct military operations.
The CDF-Mara led by the CNA, CDF-Matupi, CDF-Lautu and CDF -Zophei participated in the capture of Lalengpi.
Sent by KMG