More than 20 Myanmar junta soldiers from LID 77 reportedly captured in Kanpetlet

Photo: Individuals captured during the September 27 clash near Maswati. Military sources report that more than 20 troops from a unit under the 77th Division were captured, along with their weapons, during a clash near Maswati in Kanpetlet Township, Chin State, on September 27. (Source: KWT / Local News)

Mizzima

More than 20 soldiers from the junta’s Light Infantry Division (LID) 77 were captured with their weapons during a clash near Ma Swa Ti in Kanpetlet Township, Chin State, on 27 September, according to military sources.

The clash broke out between resistance forces and a junta column that had entered Kanpetlet Township from Laungshey in Magway Region.

Around 30 junta soldiers were reportedly killed, and more than 20, including a sergeant, were captured, the sources said.

Captain Zin Yaw, who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), told Mizzima that an entire platoon, including its sergeant, appeared to have surrendered during the battle. He said the unit’s structure indicated that platoon sergeants were commanding troops in place of platoon commanders.

A video has emerged showing members of the Arakha Army (AA) questioning soldiers identified as Platoon Sergeant Ye Win Tun and others captured in the battle about their names, ranks and duties.

Local sources said junta forces have been carrying out daily airstrikes on Kanpetlet and Mindat townships.

Zin Yaw said junta forces had established a foothold in Ma Swa Ti despite suffering heavy casualties. He suggested that a division commander could use the location as a base to deploy 122mm or 155mm artillery, bring in reinforcements and expand operations towards Kyindwe and Kanpetlet towns.

A military source said junta forces had previously launched offensives through Mindat and Kanpetlet townships in southern Chin State in an attempt to advance into Rakhine State. After failing to make headway, they were now attacking along the Laungshey Ma Swa Ti route, the source said.

Zin Yaw said LID 77, which is spearheading the offensive, had previously achieved military successes in Falam, Hakha and Tedim in northern Chin State. He suggested that further successes could improve Division Commander Brigadier General Nay Win’s chances of promotion to regional military commander.

Junta forces continue to send reinforcements through Laungshey, according to the military source. Local rescue groups said residents of nearby villages were fleeing the fighting and urgently needed emergency aid.