5 May 2026 — Myanmar military forces escalated their offensive along the strategic Falam-Hakha highway today, using jet fighters and drones to launch attacks near Taal village, Falam township.
The assault began in the early morning hours with drones dropping explosives in the corridor between Laikua and Tlangzar villages.
The situation intensified at approximately 7:30 am when a jet fighter, reportedly from the Tada-U Air Base, conducted an airstrike, dropping two bombs in the vicinity of Taal and Tlangzar.
A video clip posted by the Surbung Times: https://www.facebook.com/reel/854092733674231
This military escalation follows an incursion on 4 May when a column of over 100 State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) troops first entered Taal village, followed by coordinated drone and airstrikes on the village outskirts.
The SSPC force has since moved to consolidate its presence at Thlanrawn (New village), with estimates placing the stationed personnel at over 300. This heavy deployment underscores the SSPC’s determined effort to control this vital regional transport corridor.
The campaign against Taal village is part of a severe and escalating conflict throughout Chin State. Reporting from local media sources indicates intensive SSPC airstrikes across several townships, including Falam, Tedim, and Kanpetlet.
Recent weeks have seen significant civilian casualties. On 1 May, an airstrike in Khawpuichhip village, Falam township killed five civilians, including a child. An SSPC drone strike on 30 April also killed a 17-year-old internally displaced girl.
Heavy fighting continues along the Falam-Hakha highway, with reports of SSPC soldiers burning down civilian homes in Thlanrawn village. The rising tensions and fear of offensives have caused mass displacement, with half of Tedim town’s population having fled. – Reporting by Daniel
