Battles Erupt in South Chin as Regime Launches Second Push for Rakhine Gateway

An aerial view of damage in Kindwe town following airstrikes supporting a regime counteroffensive in southern Chin State.

Fierce battles have erupted in southern Chin State as Myanmar regime forces mount a second push to seize the gateway to Rakhine State just months after their disastrous first offensive.

More than 500 regime troops from Laungshae in Magwe Region have advanced into Chin State’s Kyindwe town backed by airstrikes. Reportedly anchored by 77th Light Infantry Division troops, the column has triggered clashes as it pushes north toward the resistance stronghold of Kanpetlet Township.

Kyindwe is the gateway to Chin State’s Paletwa Township, an Arakan Army (AA) stronghold that guards the northern approach to its home state of Rakhine.

Regime forces are also pushing to enter Rakhine on several other fronts, including Magwe’s Mindon and Ngape, Bago’s Pandaung, and Ayeyarwady’s Ngathaingchaung.

AA Deputy Commander in Chief Nyo Tun Aung warned of an escalation across seven western fronts if the regime presses its offensive during the upcoming dry season.

Regime troops have reportedly reached Kanpetlet Township’s Masatwi village after launching a second push last Saturday to capture the 50-km Laungshae–Kyindwe road.