The Chin Brotherhood Alliance (CBA) has declared the southern Chin State town of Mindat a junta-free zone following the rescue of 13 political prisoners, according to a statement released on 22 December.
The announcement came after a 42-day military campaign dubbed “Operation Chin Brotherhood,” which began on 9 November.
The operation culminated in the complete takeover of Mindat on 21 December, according to Salai Thang Chawn Phe, Commander-in-Chief of the Chinland Defence Force-Mindat (CDF-Mindat).
“We were able to clear all junta troops and control the entire town,” he said.
Thirteen political prisoners, arbitrarily detained since the 2021 military coup, were successfully rescued during the operation. The military campaign was conducted by the CBA in collaboration with allied forces, including the Yaw Defence Force (YDF), People’s Defence Army, Yaw Army, and Battalion No. 3 of the Monywa District People’s Defence Force. The Arakan Army (AA) provided arms, ammunition, and reinforcements.
Photos released by the CBA on 22 December show numerous prisoners of war and a substantial cache of seized weapons and ammunition, including howitzers. However, the number of casualties among revolutionary fighters has not been disclosed.
During the operation, the CBA seized key locations in Mindat, including San Min Thiri Sati Gone, Staff Housing Street (San Pya Ward), the District Construction Compound, Tower Tite Gone, Mindat Hotel, Mya Lay Pwint Sati Gone, and the Four-Mile Gone. These areas were previously held by junta troops and police.
On 15 December, as the alliance targeted the remaining Mindat Police Station and Infantry Battalion 274 camp, 123 junta troops and police officers, along with their families, surrendered. Weapons and ammunition were also confiscated. The final stronghold, the Infantry Battalion 274 camp, has since been fully captured, solidifying CBA’s control over Mindat town.
The CBA, comprising multiple ethnic armed groups including the Chin National Defence Force, Chinland Defence Force-Kanpetlet, Chinland Defence Force-Matupi (Brigade 1), Chinland Defence Force-Mindat, Maraland Defence Force, and Zoland Defence Force has also expanded its influence to Kyin Dwe town in Kanpetlet Township and Matupi Township.
The alliance expressed its respect and honour for the fighters who sacrificed their lives during the operation. While exact casualty numbers have not been revealed, the success marks a significant milestone in their resistance against the military regime.
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