Landmine explosion in Tiddim Township kills two civilians, injures three with limb loss

Two civilians were killed and three others sustained severe injuries resulting in the loss of limbs due to a landmine explosion in Laitse Village, Tiddim Township, northern Chin State, local residents told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. The incident occurred on the morning of September 10th in Laitse Village, Tiddim Township, when a man stepped on a landmine while villagers were moving around as usual, causing a powerful explosion. "We don't know the type of mine, but the explosion was quite intense. Two villagers died on the spot. Another three have had their limbs blown off. They are currently receiving emergency medical treatment," a Tiddim local told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. It is not yet known which organization planted the mine, but Laitse Village is a frequent site of clashes between the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), which cooperates with the military regime, and the Chin Defence Force (CDF) (Hnget Gyam) joint forces. "The military has not patrolled or stationed troops in the village. It is unlikely they planted the mine. There have been clashes between the ZRA and CDF in the village. It is possible their forces planted it," a local resident speculated to the Ayeyarwaddy Times. Laitse Village is a large village located on the Tiddim-Rikhawdar road, which connects Tiddim town and Rikhawdar town. It is also known that intense fighting occurred between the ZRA and CDF (Hnget Gyam) forces on June 4th.