3 June 2026 — Heavy fighting has been approximately 10 miles from Mindat town in Chin State as junta forces continue an offensive operation in the area, according to the Mindat Township IDP Camp Management Committee.
The initial local source stated that the military forces, reportedly numbering more than 1,000 troops, have launched operations in Mindat township, leading to intense clashes with Chin resistance forces.
On 30 May, junta troops burned down Htin Chaung village in Mindat township.
Local residents reported that clashes began on 30 May after a military column advancing from Kyaukhtu in the Yaw region entered Mindat’s township on 29 May and encountered Chin resistance forces.
The Committee reported that Mindat and other neighbouring townships in Chin State are once again facing the impacts of the military’s “Four Cuts” strategy, which restricts access to food, funds, intelligence, and supplies. As a result, thousands of civilians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
“People have been displaced repeatedly over the years, and this time, many of us may have to remain displaced for an extended period. How long we can endure this situation will depend largely on the assistance we receive,” the committee said in a statement issued on 2 June.
The committee is still collecting displacement data, but estimates that around 17,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting in Mindat township.
Local sources reported that Mindat, Kanpetlet, and other nearby townships in Chin State have been subjected to frequent airstrikes as military operations continue in the region. The attacks have caused civilian casualties and extensive damage to homes and other buildings.
According to data compiled by township and village-level IDP committees, at least 766 civilians died in Mindat township between February 2021 and December 2024 due to conflict-related and humanitarian causes.
The data indicated that about 444 deaths were linked to medicine shortages, chronic illnesses, and stroke-related conditions. A further 111 people reportedly died from illnesses, including fever, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and oedema. Other deaths were attributed to airstrikes, artillery shelling, landmines, and other conflict-related incidents.
Local sources also reported that junta troops established a military presence in Kangyi village, a key transportation hub linking Chin State, Rakhine State, and Magway Region, on 25 April. Since then, restrictions on movement and supplies into southern parts of Chin State and Rakhine have reportedly intensified.
In response to the ongoing offensive, the Chin People’s Union /Chin People’s Army (CPU/CPA) recently called on Chin communities abroad to contribute to an emergency defence and humanitarian fund for southern Chin State. – Reporting by Ben
