21 April 2026 —The State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military is intensifying its six-month-long offensive to recapture Falam town and the strategic Surbung Airport, reaching positions within artillery range of the town.
On 19 April, a column of approximately 600 to 800 SSPC troops crossed Var Bridge, now positioned about 10 miles from Falam town.
A spokesperson for the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) confirmed that the SSPC is consolidating its control of the area with the primary objective of pushing toward both Falam and the strategically significant Surbung Airport.
The military is utilizing multiple routes, including the Kalay-Tedim-Falam corridor, and deploying forces in units ranging from small outposts to several hundred troops to secure supply and communication lines.
The overall offensive, which began in late October 2025, has the political goal of regaining control of the Surbung Airport and reopening government facilities in Falam.
The current advance puts the SSPC in a position to launch artillery and air attacks on Falam, raising the likelihood of intensified clashes in the coming weeks. The SSPC has heavily relied on airpower, advanced drones, and aerial resupply during the fighting.
On 20 April, Y-12 aircraft carried out intensive strikes, dropping more than 110 bombs near Var Bridge and Khuangli village. Earlier strikes on 18 April targeted areas near Surbung Airport and along the Falam-Hakha Road.
Analysts and observers warn that the capture of Falam town and Surbung Airport would significantly strengthen the SSPC’s ability to reinforce operations by air and expand offensives across the entire Chin State. Despite the sustained conflict, joint Chin resistance forces have previously repelled ground offensives. – Reporting by Daniel
