29 April 2026 — The State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) is reinforcing its military presence near Mindat town after recapturing the strategically important town of Falam in northern Chin State, according to Chin Brotherhood (CB) spokesperson Salai Yaw Man.
The occupation began on the evening of 25 April, when roughly 100 soldiers from Artillery Regiment 368, based in Kyaukhtu, moved into the village. They were soon reinforced by a second column of 100 troops arriving by truck.
The troops have since established a temporary forward position.
The military has not yet launched an immediate assault on Mindat but is consolidating its positions, reinforcing troop deployments, and assessing conditions for a sustained operation.
The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to open simultaneous fronts in both northern and southern Chin State, potentially stretching the capacity of resistance forces in terms of manpower, ammunition, and logistics.
In a related development, at approximately 9:53 am on 29 April, a Y-8 military transport aircraft was observed circling above Kyaukhtu airfield and dropping supply packages by parachute.
The resupply operation was reportedly conducted at least four times, while jet-fighter aircraft were also seen taking off, signalling a possible increase in aerial activity.
During the Falam offensive, SSPC forces reportedly deployed around 1,800 troops using “human wave” tactics and heavy ammunition. However, the military is currently facing logistical and operational challenges.
The Kyaukhtu airstrip was not secure enough for consistent air resupply, forcing reliance on ground transport. In addition, personnel from training schools under the Kale-based Tactical Command have been deployed to frontline operations due to multiple active conflicts nationwide.
A similar large-scale offensive in 2025, involving thousands of troops advancing from Pakokku, was repelled in the Pontaung–Ponyar area after coordinated resistance attacks.
Meanwhile, resistance forces in Mindat have strengthened their defensive preparations. Salai Yaw Man said the difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions in Chin Hills pose significant challenges for advancing troops while offering advantages to local fighters.
He added that experienced commanders, motivated fighters, and coordinated alliances have been organised, with food, medical supplies, and logistics adjusted to meet wartime needs.
Although the SSPC appears to be monitoring developments in northern Chin State before launching a full-scale southern offensive, resistance groups in Mindat township view the situation as critical and are preparing for what they describe as a decisive phase in the conflict. – Reporting by Ben
