Note: Each paragraph is a separate piece of brief news compiled in date order.
1 January 2025 –
On 1 January, Chairman of Chinland Council Mr. Zing Cung delivered a New Year’s message, calling on everyone to make 2025 a year of building Chin national unity. He urged resolving differences through dialogue and finding common ground. He emphasized that unity among the Chin people and revolutionary groups is vital in the ongoing struggle against the SAC dictatorship.
On 1 January, many residents of Tedim town began moving their belongings to safer rural areas amid fears of an impending attack by the Chin Brotherhood (CB) to seize the town. While most are not relocating permanently, they are transporting heavy items in advance as a precaution. Following CB’s capture of Mindat and Kanpetlet towns in December 2024, only one SAC military base remains in Falam, where fighting continues. Believing that Tedim may be the next target, residents are taking preventive measures to protect their possessions and families.
On 1 January at around 3 am, a local resident reported that SAC forces killed Mr. Kyaw Zin Phyo, a resident of Khon Mingyi ward in Budalin township, Sagaing Region, at a coconut plantation near Tahlaing village. He had been taken hostage while travelling from Budalin town to Kutaw village.
3 January 2025 –
On 3 January, local defence groups captured four SAC soldiers based in Kalay township while they were en route to reinforce troops in Falam town, Chin State. Many SAC soldiers reportedly fled back to Kalay township disguised in civilian clothing. Meanwhile, SAC continues to defend Falam town through airstrikes and ongoing reinforcements.
On January 1 and 3, two one-year-old children from Doechaungwa village in Paletwa Township reportedly succumbed to diarrhea. The outbreak is especially severe in villages along the Lemro River in lower Paletwa Township, with children aged six months to two years and adults over 60 being the most affected.
4 January 2025 –
On 4 January, SAC troops from Artillery Battalion 368, based in Gangaw township, Magway Region, launched a drone attack that injured a man from Chaungku village, according to local residents. The troops, who had moved from Kyaukhtu and were stationed in Yint Ye village, targeted a man riding a motorcycle. The drone strike wounded his back and arms. Local residents said he is in critical condition, but his identity and current condition remain unknown.
On 4 January, a five-month-old child from Dilaungkone village in Paletwa township died of diarrhea at Kaisi Clinic in Matupi township due to a lack of medicine. The clinic, operated by Chinland Defense Force–Matupi Battalion 3, serves both civilians and soldiers. A Battalion 3 official stated, “Even though we have a good doctor, the child died because we didn’t have enough medicine. People from the Mara and Paletwa areas also rely on this clinic.”
On 4 January, the Chinland Defense Force-Asho (CDF-Asho) arrested 11 SAC soldiers who had fled from Ann town, Rakhine State. The arrests took place near Sin Khon Taing and Taung Zaut villages in Ngape township, Magway Region, and nine firearms and ammunition were seized.
On 4 January at around 11 pm, an SAC airstrike hit a school in Khuanglung village, Falam township, Chin State, where local defense groups were holding prisoners of war. The strike killed seven prisoners and one member of the local defense group. A nearby rural clinic was also bombed, though no injuries were reported. A local witness said a military aircraft flew over the village before dropping bombs on the school and another location. The number of casualties from the second strike remains unknown.
On 4 January, Chinland Defense Force-Hakha (CDF-Hakha) ambushed a vehicle carrying the SAC police chief and his team near Rung Mounth in Hakha town, Chin State. The police chief was hit in his eye, and two others were injured. They were en route to a low-key Independence Day event at the government office, held under tight security. The vehicle crashed into two shops and was later towed by a JCB (Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Ltd). CDF-Hakha reported no casualties on their side and appealed for continued local and international support.
5 January 2025 –
On 5 January at around 8 am, the SAC conducted a heavy weapon attack in the Latpanchaung village, northwest of Kalay township, Sagaing Region, killing Ms. Zaang Bawi Sung, aged 47, and injuring two other civilians. The deceased member left behind four children.
On 5 January 2025 at around 2 pm, an explosion occurred near the clock tower in Myoma Ward, Tedim town, Chin State, wounding three children. The blast was triggered when the children, while playing, threw stones at a bucket concealing a bomb. They have been taken to a public hospital, where their injuries were deemed non-serious.
On 5 January, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh declared that 26 Myanmar nationals, who had illegally entered India, were safely deported. A source reported that they were transferred from Imphal Jail to Moreh at around 4 am and handed over to the SAC military at the India-Myanmar border in Tamu by 10 am.
6 January 2025 –
On 6 January, the Zo Re-unification Organization (ZORO) urged the Indian government to rescind the tightened Free Movement Regime (FMR) restrictions along the India-Myanmar border, effective from 1 January 2025. ZORO argued that these measures infringe upon the rights of the Chin (Zo) people as recognized by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The organization condemned the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Mizoram government for implementing these restrictions and vowed to persist with protests until the policy is reversed. ZORO seeks to unite the Chin (Zo) communities across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
On 6 January, three SAC soldiers stationed in Hakha town surrendered to the Chinland Defense Force-Hakha (CDF-Hakha) with their weapons. The CDF-Hakha ensured their safe relocation and called on other SAC soldiers to emulate their actions.
On 6 January, local sources reported that SAC dropped over 24 bombs using Y-12 military transport aircraft in Falam Township. The exact extent of the damages is still unknown.
7 January 2025 –
On 7 January, all roads leading to Falam town in northern Chin State were closed due to ongoing clashes. Heavy vehicles, including Skat, Forland, and 6- to 12-wheel trucks, were prohibited from entering the area. Chin National Organization (CNO) spokesman Salai Timmy Htut said that the road closures were implemented to safeguard civilians and prevent intelligence leaks. He warned that violators would face strict consequences. Fighting continues as Chin Brotherhood (CB), and their allies attempt to seize the LIB-268 military base, with CB already controlling the rest of the town.
On 7 January, two SAC jet fighters from Meiktila Air Force Base and a jet fighter from Tada U Air Force Base conducted a total of four airstrikes in Falam at around 9:00 am, 9:08 pm, 12:30 pm and 12:35 pm. Additionally, SAC dropped 29 bombs in Falam using Y-12 military transport aircraft.
8 January 2025 –
On 8 January, SAC jet fighters from Tada U Air Force carried out a total of two airstrikes in a location in Falam township at around 11:10 pm and 11:14 pm.
9 January 2025 –
On 9 January, it is reported that a police officer from the SAC military surrendered to the Chinland Defense Forces-Civic Defense Militia Siyin along with weapons in Tedim township, Chin State. CDF-CDM Siyin has offered a reward of 100 lakh kyats to him.
On 9 January, five SAC military soldiers from Wetlet Township (Sagaing Region) and Saw and Pakokku towns (Magway Region) surrendered to local defense groups with weapons, ammunition, grenades, and magazines.
On 9 January, two Pyusawhti (Pro-SAC militia) from the 13 Operations Command in Sheinmaker village, Wetlet township, surrendered to local defence groups with MA-1 rifles and 460 rounds of ammunition. Meanwhile, two SAC soldiers from Business Practices Intervention (BPI) livestock camp in Myitchea town, Pakokku township, surrendered to local defence groups with MA-1 rifles, an Inga bomb, two pineapple bombs, 166 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines.
10 January 2025 –
On 10 January, two Pyusawhti (Pro-SAC militia) soldiers from Operations Command Battalion-13, led by Captain Aye Myo Tun and temporarily stationed in Shein Ma Kar village, Wetlet Township, surrendered to local defense groups in Shwebo Township with two MA-1 rifles and 460 MA rounds of ammunition, according to reports.
11 January 2025 –
On 11 January, Nay Myo Lin, a police officer from Htilin township, Magway Region, surrendered to Yaw Revolution Army-Htilin (YRA) with 186 bullets, a walkie-talkie, and a hand grenade, and he was taken to a safe place.
On 11 January, residents from nine villages in Tedim township, Chin State, submitted a letter to the People’s Defense Army-Tedim (PDA-Tedim), requesting the reopening of the Manipur River bridge to facilitate the passage of goods. They also urged the group to cease harassing or interrogating travellers at checkpoints and to refrain from firing weapons within villages, as it causes fear in communities, especially among women, children, and the elderly.
On 11 January, local sources reported that two SAC MiG-29 jet fighters from Meiktila Air Force Base carried out three airstrikes in Falam using cluster bombs at around 11:55 pm, 12:00 pm and 12:05 pm. On that day, SAC dropped over 35 120 mm bombs using a Y-12 military transport aircraft from 12:23 pm to 1:05 pm. Additionally, another jet fighter from Meiktila Air Force Base conducted two airstrikes in Falam at 11:13 pm and 11:19 pm.
12 January 2025 –
On 12 January, Mr. Win Zaw, aged 35, and his wife from Hle Seik village in Tamu township, Sagaing Region, were injured by a landmine while fishing in the Yu River. A Hle Seik village resident said that the landmine exploded around 4:30 pm. Both of them were seriously injured as the explosion hit their whole bodies, and they were taken to Tamu Hospital.
Between 6 January 2025 and 12 January 2025, the SAC conducted multiple airstrikes in Falam Township: 11 airstrikes, including using 500-pound bombs and cluster bombs with jet fighters and Y-12 military transport aircraft. Looking at the airstrikes carried out by SAC in Chin State this week, it has been observed that SAC used cluster bombs, which are prohibited for use in warfare in the airstrikes in Chin State.
13 January 2025 –
On 13 January at midnight, SAC airstrikes hit a former government department building in Sami township, Chin State, causing a fire that raged all night. At about 11 pm, SAC forces conducted airstrikes dropping at least three 500-pound bombs with one jet-fighter on Sami Town of Paletwa Township. SAC jet fighters from Tada U Air Force Base conducted a total of two airstrikes in Sami Town in Paletwa Township including using 500-pound bombs at around noon.With phone and internet services disrupted, information regarding damage or injuries is currently unavailable.
On 13 January, Joshua Van, aged 23, Chin UFC fighter, was honored with the Fury FC Hall of Fame award as he is the only fighter to enter the UFC from Fury FC. He was joined at the ceremony by his mother, sister and friends.
14 January 2025 –
On 14 January, Chinland Defence Force-Asho (CDF-Asho) ambushed the fleeing SAC soldiers near Ann township, Rakhine State. Three soldiers were killed, and eight were captured, along with 15 small arms, a handgun, and ammunition in Ngape township, Magway Region.
On 14 January, phone and Wi-Fi services were cut off in Tamu township, Sagaing Region, leading to major communication disruptions. While Ooredoo SIM cards display a signal, only 2G messaging functions. Some residents use Indian Airtel and Jio SIM cards for calls and internet, but coverage is restricted and not broadly accessible.
15 January 2025 –
On 15 January, Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) revealed plans for its 2025 Basic Military Training and called for new recruits to enlist. The program is open to those dedicated to opposing the SAC military dictatorship and establishing a federal state. The three-month training is available to applicants aged 18 to 35 who are physically fit and capable of adhering to military regulations.
16 January 2025 –
On 16 January at around 8:30 pm, SAC conducted airstrikes on Kanan village in Tamu township, despite no ongoing conflict near a monastery, resulting in at least five deaths and 12 injuries, including a monk.
On 16 January, around 8:30 p.m., the No. 1 Ward of Khampat Town and Kanan Village in Sagaing Region was bombed twice by SAC Jet fighters, killing 2 people, including a 3-year-old girl, injuring 6 civilians including a monk of Kanan Village and destroyed 21 homes, including a monastery, according to the residents. After the airstrike, many locals are reportedly hiding in the area, fearing more airstrikes. “We are now listening to the airstrikes. We are being cautious because there may be more attacks,” a resident said. The NUG’s revolutionary forces attacked and captured Khampat Township in Tamu District, Sagaing Region on November 7, 2023.
18 January 2025 –
On 18 January at around 7 am, a SAC military airstrike hit Sawbwa Reshin village near the Tamu-Kalay border in Sagaing Region, killing three local defense force members and injuring 10 civilians.
On 18 January, the National Unity Government (NUG) announced an online event to distribute revolutionary funds. The Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC/CB) and the Chinland Council (CC) were each allocated 100,000 US dollars. The event was attended by NUG acting President Duwa Lashi La, Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than and other officials.
20 January 2025 –
On 20 January, around 5:10 pm, 5:13 pm, 7:00 pm and 7:09 pm, Khampat Town in Sagaing Region was bombed by a total of three airstrikes by two SAC jet fighters from Tada U Air Force Base using 500-pound bombs.
21 January 2025 –
On 21 January, CDF-Hakha (Chinland Defence Force) announced that only registered wood may be transported into Hakha town, Chin State, to regulate wood transportation. Violators will face legal consequences as per the specified regulations.
On 21 January, Chin Defense Force-Asho (CDF-Asho) celebrated its second anniversary. Established in 2023 by Asho Chin Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) members and local community supporters, CDF-Asho reported that 200 SAC soldiers were killed, 150 SAC soldiers were arrested, and more than 100 weapons were seized.
On 21 January, the State Administration Council (SAC) conducted airstrikes on Falam town in Chin State. Clashes with the Chin Brotherhood and its allies have persisted since November 2024. The SAC’s final stronghold in the town, LIB-268, remains under their control, reinforced by continuous airstrikes.
On 21 January, SAC conducted two airstrikes dropping 500-pound bombs with one jet fighter from Tada U Air Force Base on Khampat Town in Sagaing Region.
22 January 2025 –
On 22 January, SAC launched a total of four airstrikes in Falam Town by using two jet fighters from Tada U Air Force Base and Meiktila Air Force Base with 500-pound bombs at around 11:58 am, 11:55 am, 12:01 pm and 12:06 pm. Additionally, SAC dropped at least 27 drop bombs using Y-12 Military Transport Aircraft from Tada U Air Force Base around 12:29 pm and 1:07 pm in Falam Town.
On 22 January, the Mara Defense Forces (MDF) conducted drone attacks more than 20 times in Ywar Man village, Matupi township, Chin State, an area under the control of the Chinland Defence Force (CDF-Lautu), including a school and a church. CDF-Lautu official Dosi denounced the attacks as intentional acts of war targeting civilians.
23 January 2025 –
On 23 January at around 7 am, the local defense groups ambushed two vehicles transporting approximately 60 SAC soldiers in Chauk township, Magway Region. Using 40 mm explosives, hand grenades, and firearms, the attackers killed 15 SAC soldiers, including two majors, and injured several others.
On 23 January, SAC jet fighters from Meiktila Air Force Base carried out two airstrikes in Falam Town around 2:24 pm and 2:26 pm.
24 January 2025 –
On 24 January at around 1 am, SAC conducted aerial attacks four times in Matupi township, Chin State, destroying houses, shops, a medical clinic, and other buildings. The airstrike reportedly caused partial destruction to several properties in Khobwe Ward, including a tribal general store, a hotel, a clinic, a stationery shop and Matupi Association of Baptist Church (MABC) office, as well as some civilian houses, locals said.
25 January 2025 –
On 25 January, led by the Network for Unity Association (NUA) and Burmese Social Welfare Association (BSWA), 32 refugee men and 13 women from Myanmar donated 45 units of blood to Aizawl General Hospital at the Zuangtui ward Community Hall in Aizawl.
26 January 2025 –
On 26 January, the Chinland Defense Force-Asho (CDF-Asho) announced that 17 SAC soldiers were arrested between 17 and 25 January. The soldiers, who fled during clashes near the Ann-Magway border, were apprehended in Ngape township, Magway Region. CDF-Asho also seized various weapons, including five MA-1 rifles, one MA-2, one MA-4, one M-15, along with ammunition and other military equipment.
On January 26 at around noon, the local defence groups attacked a convoy of six armoured vehicles from the SAC’s Division 33 in Chaung-U township, Sagaing Region, using landmines. Two explosives struck one vehicle, causing damage. While injuries among SAC troops are suspected, the precise number of casualties has not been confirmed.
29 January 2025 –
On 29 January, two young men, aged 25 and 27, who had fled IDPs camps in Paletwa township of Chin State into Hmawbi township, Yangon Region, following 2023 conflicts between the Arakan Army (AA) and the SAC soldiers, were detained by the SAC military and forced to undergo military training.
On 29 January, residents of Kalay town, Sagaing Region, noted a significant rise in rental costs driven by an increasing number of IDPs arriving from nearby villages and Chin State. An IDP resident reported that her landlord increased the rent by 100,000 kyats in 2025, attributing it to inflation. Monthly rents in central Kalay now range between 500,000 and 800,000 kyats, while even properties on the town’s outskirts cost at least 100,000 kyats per month.
On 29 January, between 9 pm and 12 midnight, the SAC conducted two airstrikes near Tower Hill, located between Reshinma and Kyunthar villages in Gangaw township, Magway Region, resulting in injuries to two local men.
30 January 2025 –
On 30 January, the Chin Defense Force-Matupi (CDF-Matupi) Brigade 1 shut down transportation routes to and from Matupi town, Chin State, following SAC airstrikes on 24 January. A local resident informed Zalen, “The Union roads and all routes entering and leaving the town are closed again. Some people are trapped inside the town, while others are stranded outside.”
On 30 January between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, the local defence groups launched an attack in Tamu township, Sagaing Region, killing five SAC soldiers, including a Meitei officer (a Manipuri armed group).
31 January 2025 –
On January 31, at around 5:25 pm and 5:27 pm, the SAC carried out an airstrike using a jet fighter in the vicinity of Tin Thar Village and Kukko IDP camp in southern Kalay township, Sagaing Region, resulting in the deaths of around ten IDPs and injuries to over 30, including women and children. The attacks also caused damage to buildings and a school.
On 31 January at around 7 pm, Mizoram Police and Assam Rifles confiscated 3.333 kg (30,300 tablets) of methamphetamine from two Myanmar nationals, Mr. Thang Khan Mung, aged 34, and Mr. Maan Lawh Hlawng, aged 35, from Dar Khaing village, Tonzang Township, and Lalrozuala, aged 36, from Hmunhmeltha village, Champhai District. The seizure took place between Hnahlan village and the Tio River in Champhai District, Mizoram. Earlier that day at 5 pm, authorities also seized 116.810 grams of heroin from Thang Zammi, aged 43.
General news updates in January:
- According to Chin Defense Force-Mindat (CDF-Mindat) spokesperson Salai Yaw Mang, the group has cleared 80% of landmines in Mindat town, Chin State, since assuming control. Ongoing efforts include demining near former SAC military camps and restoring water supplies. CDF-Mindat emphasized that its priorities include ensuring public safety, maintaining law and order, and supporting community recovery efforts.
- IDP villagers from Wetsu in Tamu township, Sagaing Region, now sheltering near the Indian border, face threats from Mintha-based SAC to return to their homes or have their village burned down, according to local sources. A community representative revealed: “The villagers remain terrified to return due to ongoing fears of SAC reprisals.” The IDPs were forced to flee their homes amid escalating conflict in the region.
- The blockade of the Kalay-Gangaw road by SAC military has caused a shortage of medicine and medical treatment, leading to a skin disease outbreak affecting around 150 villagers in western Kalay town. Volunteers reported that the lack of medical ointments, oral medications, clean drinking water and adequate clothing, and proper food supplies exacerbated health situations. The transportation restrictions have paralyzed medical supply chains, leaving cases untreated and allowing the outbreak to spread. Local health workers warn the situation continues deteriorating as essential supplies remain blocked.
The end