Airstrikes in Falam kill 42 resistance fighters in four months

Airstrikes in Falam kill 42 resistance fighters in four months

The junta has launched 2,500 airstrikes in Falam Township, Chin State, over the past four months, killing 42 Chin resistance fighters and injuring more than 100, the Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA) reports.

On March 9, the ICA published a casualty list documenting losses in Falam from October 2025 through February 2026.

The junta’s airstrikes hit their highest level in the first two months of 2026, with daily attacks including drone bombings and suicide drone strikes on the rise. The ICA concluded that this indicates the junta has shifted its strategy to rely more on air assaults and long-range remote strikes than on ground offensives.

The junta is attempting to retake Falam Town but has been unable to make progress against the steadfast Chin resistance. As a result, its forces have dug trenches and reinforced their positions, while the Air Force airlifts supplies and ammunition to support them.

The ICA’s report highlighted that the junta appears to have made full control of Surbung Airport, near Falam Town, the primary objective of its operation.

Over the past four months, the junta's airstrikes in Falam Township have killed 42 Chin resistance fighters, wounded more than 100, and caused significant civilian casualties. At least 15 civilians were killed and over 30 injured in the indiscriminate air raids, which also destroyed more than 60 buildings, including schools, hospitals, churches, and homes.

Additionally, residents of 34 villages along the roads linking Kale Town in Sagaing Region with Taingen and Waibula in Chin State have fled to the forests. The junta is attempting to advance toward Falam by sending two columns along these routes.

Meanwhile, resistance attacks in Falam Township have killed more than 200 junta troops, wounded 250, and captured over 40, the ICA reported.

The ICA report noted that the junta’s indiscriminate airstrikes, which targeted residential and community buildings, show a blatant disregard for and violation of international humanitarian law. 

More news from Chin World
May 26, 2026
The junta carried out 25 airstrikes over 10 days in the southern Chin State towns of Mindat,...
May 22, 2026
Civil society organizations (CSOs) based in Falam Township, Chin State, led by the Falam...
May 21, 2026
Women’s for Justice (WJ) reported on May 19 that the junta had launched a series of airstrikes...
May 19, 2026
The advance of a junta column has triggered evacuation calls in communities along the border...