26 junta troops surrendered, captured as POWs in Falam clashes

26 junta troops surrendered, captured as POWs in Falam clashes

During the two-month battle between junta troops attempting to advance toward Falam Town in Chin State and the Chin resistance coalition, a total of 26 junta soldiers either surrendered to or were captured by the resistance coalition as prisoners of war (PoWs).

Two junta columns have been attempting to reach Falam since early November 2025 via Taingen–Falam and Waibula–Falam roads, but fierce resistance by the Chin resistance coalition has led to intense clashes.

“Over the past two months, 14 junta soldiers voluntarily contacted and surrendered to the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF). An additional 12 were captured alive by the resistance coalition during combat. We have also received intelligence that some junta soldiers deserted but did not reach us and escaped on their own,” said CNDF spokesperson Salai Timmy.

As of January 9, fierce fighting between the junta and the Chin resistance coalition was still ongoing near Khuangli Village in Falam Township.

“The enemy is advancing toward us in two columns. Fighting continued until the morning of January 9 near Khuangli Village, northwest of Falam Town. Junta troops are also present around Sumhrang Village, southwest of Falam, but the situation there is currently calm,” Salai Timmy added.

During the fighting near Khuangli on January 9, the junta carried out four airstrikes using jet fighters. In addition, it used E-20 logistics aircraft to deliver supplies to its frontline forces.

The junta troops near Khuangli have been in position for nearly a month. They are estimated to number between 200 and 300 and are engaged in daily clashes with Chin resistance forces.

Another junta column, sent from Waibula Town in Falam Township, Chin State, has been stationed near Sumhrang Village for about a month. The situation there is currently calm, with no active fighting reported.

In the fighting in Falam Township, the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF), a member of the Chin Brotherhood (CB) Alliance, along with the Chin National Army (CNA) and other Chin resistance factions, are actively engaging the advancing regime forces.

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