NAYPYITAW, 25 September 2021, (TON): A church and several buildings were hit by artillery shells fired by the Myanmar army during a clash with the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) night in Mindat.

At around 7pm, the CDF-Mindat launched a guerrilla attack on junta troops in Ashaypyin ward, and the military responded by firing heavy weapons, according to a spokesperson for the Mindat People's Administration Committee, who said shootouts occurred in two locations in the ward.

The shells destroyed at least three homes and some buildings within the compound of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

Father Shal Thang, the church’s priest, said “The troops were stationed on a hill, very close to a junta general administration office and a police station. They fired artillery because youth from the CDF came there and opened fire on the junta's troops.”

He told media “the glass above the church was hit by some bullets, and an artillery shell fell beside the church and exploded. The shrapnel hit the windows.”

Father Shal Thang said “Myanmar army soldiers visited the damaged church compound morning.”

At the time of reporting, it was unknown if there were casualties on either side of the fighting in Mindat on Wednesday.