Regime claims to have recaptured Tantalan town, but fighting continues

AYEYARWADDY TIMES (Tantalan), July 17 Although the interim government army claims to have completely captured Tantalan town in Chin State, fighting is reportedly continuing in the city, according to CDF Tantalan. The interim government army announced yesterday, July 16, in the afternoon, that it had completely taken control of Tantalan town. Despite the military's announcement, fighting between the military and joint Chin resistance forces has not ceased and continues to occur within Tantalan town. "It is difficult to talk about the military situation. However, fighting is still ongoing in the city," a CDF Tantalan official told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. The interim government army announced that it had completely expelled Chin resistance forces who had taken refuge in government buildings and houses in Tantalan town, and released record photos of its troops in front of the Fire Brigade office and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Resettlement. "According to the photos released by the military, it can be said that the entire city of Tantalan has been recaptured. Schools on the outskirts of the city and offices within the city are also visible," a Tantalan resident told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. After capturing Phalam and Tonzang towns, the military has been launching an offensive through Hakha town since May to recapture Phalam town. Photo: Interim Government