May 23.
The military council’s advance into southern Chin since May 19 has been met with continued resistance from local Chin defense forces, including CDF-CDM-Siyin, PDF Zoland, and KKG, from 8 a.m. on May 21 until the present, and more than 1,000 locals have been forced to flee due to the military council’s advance, according to a CDF-CDM-Siyin press release.
Local media reported that CDF-CDM-Siyin member Tg Suan Van Mung was killed in the fighting on May 21, and a source close to the Chin Defense Forces said that five SK soldiers were captured by the Chin Defense Forces.
“The number of troops entering the Chin State is likely to be larger than expected. According to the statements of those arrested, they are said to be composed of five battalions. We estimate that the number is no less than 800,” said a source close to the Chin State Defense Force.
Since the military council’s advance into Chin State, all vehicles entering Chin State have been blocked at the Khaingam Police Station checkpoint since the morning of May 19, and the Kale-Thay Ngin road has been temporarily closed since May 20, according to the CDF-CDM-Siyin.