Junta troops used drones to attack local defence forces during armed clashes in Thantlang township, Chin State on February 1.

"The military used small arms and drones in their attacks," said Salai Htet Ni, a spokesperson for the Chin National Army (CNA).

During the fighting the army fired artillery shells into residential areas and destroyed several houses.

Five junta troops were reportedly killed and one was injured. No fighters from the CNA or the locally based Chinland Defence Force Thantlang (CDF) were hurt.

Previously junta troops had already damaged 94 houses and a Christian Church in Thantlang when they set fires in the township from January 30 to February 1.

Most locals have fled their homes due to the almost daily fighting in the area.

According to locals on February 1 there was a pro military rally in Hakha and soldiers were dropped by helicopter into random villages that they then attacked with heavy arms.