A photo of the Kennedy Peak outpost during the occupation of PDF Zoland. / Photo: PDF Zoland
Mizzima
Junta troops stationed at the recently re-taken Kennedy Peak outpost in Tedim Township, northern Chin State raided and looted nearby villages and arrested five men from Sozan Village in Tedim Township, on 19 June.
About 100 junta soldiers had recaptured the Kennedy Peak Outpost back from Zoland People’s Defence Force (PDF) on the morning of 18 June.
A day later the junta troops launched raids on nearby villages from the outpost.
According to a Zoland PDF representative, the raids began at approximately 7:00 am on 19 June when junta soldiers entered Sozan Village. They seized jewellery, mobile phones money, rice, oil, and other food supplies before continuing their advance towards Arlal Village, also in Tedim Township.
“The junta soldiers raided Sozan Village, taking phones, money, rice, oil, and food. They handcuffed five men and proceeded towards Arlal Village”, said the Zoland PDF representative.
Since the junta recaptured the Kennedy Peak Outpost on 18 June residents from nearby villages, including Sozan, Arlal, Htannew, Zone, and Phunwan, have begun fleeing to other villages and cities. A resident of Phunwan confirmed the exodus, saying that they were concerned over potential attacks by junta soldiers.
Now that junta soldiers have re-taken the Kennedy Peak Outpost, which is on the Kalay to Tedim road, they are expected to continue to Taingen Village about four miles away where it is thought they will launch an attack to try and re-take the Taingen Outpost which is currently being held by defence forces.
Zoland PDF has warned travellers not to use the Kalay to Tedim road due to a heightened risk of military activity along the road.
Sozan Village is also on the Kalay to Tedim road and is a popular rest stop for express buses and travellers.
Zoland PDF initially captured the Kennedy Peak outpost from the junta on 21 November 2023, killing three junta soldiers and arresting a further 13, including a major, during the capture.
