23 April 2026 – Intense fighting is escalating in Falam township, Chin State, where State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) forces are attempting to retake ground from the Chin Brotherhood (CB) and Chinland Council (CC) resistance groups.
Faced with heavy ground setbacks and high casualties, the SSPC has dramatically increased its reliance on air support.
On 22 April, SSPC Yak-130 jets flying from Tada-U Air Base conducted at least four airstrikes near Sumhrang village, reportedly deploying internationally prohibited cluster munitions.
A resistance source described the use of such powerful weapons as proof of the SSPC’s failure to advance on the ground, noting that the blast from the cluster munitions was ‘many times stronger’ than regular bombs.
Additional jet strikes targeted Hlawnmual village, while Y-12 aircraft dropped over 50 supply packages to the regime’s troops in the northwestern part of the township.
This aerial campaign is part of a massive SSPC offensive to recapture Falam town and the strategically important Surbung Airport, an operation that has also led to the significant destruction of civilian homes.
Airstrikes remained ongoing near Hlawnmual village as of late 22 April. – Reporting by Daniel
