19 March 2026 – Myanmar’s State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) forces—representing the military junta—have been accused by local residents of widespread abuses in Falam township, including burning civilian homes, looting property, and conducting drone attacks on villages.
According to reports from locals cited by Surbung Times, SSPC columns advancing from the Hlanzawl side have stationed troops permanently along the Lumbang Hill range, particularly in Lumbang and Parte villages. One resident described the forces spreading across the range, with ongoing occupation of key villages.
On 16 March, junta troops entered Parte village and burned down at least two civilian homes. That same morning around 8:00 am, another unit raided Lati village, looting farm animals such as chickens and ducks, seizing 200,000 kyats in cash, a mobile phone, and other valuables from residents.
Locals also reported that SSPC forces deployed drones to drop at least three bombs on Lati village, escalating civilian endangerment.
A separate SSPC reinforcement column advancing from Kalay town in Sagaing Region reportedly retreated through Valung village in Falam township to Taingen village in Tedim township, where it is now based.
Falam township remains a focal point of intense conflict in Chin State, where Chin resistance coalitions have held control since mid-2025 following major offensives like “Mission Jerusalem.” The junta has launched repeated counteroffensives since late 2025, deploying over 1,000 troops in multiple columns from Kalay and Tedim axes to retake the strategic township and nearby areas like Surbung Airport.
The military’s tactics have included heavy reliance on airstrikes, artillery, and drone bombings—over 2,500 airstrikes documented in Falam township from October 2025 to February 2026 alone, according to the Institute of Chin Affairs, resulting in dozens of resistance fighter deaths, significant civilian casualties (at least 15 killed and 30 injured from air attacks), and destruction of homes, schools, churches, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure.
Reports highlight a pattern of escalated abuses since early 2026, including village burnings and looting during ground advances, amid the junta’s broader strategy to regain territory ahead of or following its controversial 2025 elections.
Resistance forces have inflicted heavy casualties on advancing columns, seizing weapons and forcing retreats, but civilian communities continue to bear the brunt through displacement, property destruction, and direct attacks. – Reporting by Daniel
