The Chin Defence Force-Asho (CDF-Asho) announced on Monday that three of its members—including the group’s Commander-in-Chief, Salai Yoe Chin—were killed in a military regime ambush during a logistics mission in Magway Region’s Ngape Township.
The surprise attack occurred on Aug. 14 in a heavily contested area located roughly 48 miles (77 km) west of the regional capital, Magway.
Ambush on logistics mission & resistance statement
In an official memorial statement issued on Aug. 14, the resistance organization confirmed the loss of its top military leadership while carrying out operational duties along the border region separating Magway and Arakan State.
“They sacrificed their lives while carrying out revolutionary duties. They will never be forgotten,” stated the CDF-Asho.
The strategic Ann–Padan Road corridor
Ngape Township sits along the critical Ann–Padan road, an overland transit corridor connecting central Magway to the strategic military hub of Arakan’s Ann Township.
Background of the Asho Chin resistance
Formed in mid-2021 in the aftermath of the February 2021 military coup, the CDF-Asho was established to defend and represent the Asho Chin—a distinct sub-ethnic group of the Chin nationality primarily residing in the lowlands and border regions of Magway, Bago, and Arakan.
Despite the loss of its top commander, the group reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining joint defense positions with allied ethnic armed organizations along the Magway–Arakan border.
