16 May 2026 – The joint forces of State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) have launched a three-pronged offensive aimed at recapturing Tonzang town in Chin State, but reportedly suffered heavy casualties after being ambushed by allied resistance forces.
Local sources said that the operation involved three advancing SSPC military columns moving along the Nakzaang, Vialcian, and Gelzaang-Lomzaang routes toward Tonzang town. Resistance forces, including allied Chin and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), carried out coordinated ambush attacks against the advancing SSPC military troops.
Sources said the Vialcian and Lomzaang columns sustained particularly severe casualties, including multiple deaths and injuries among SSPC and ZRA personnel, leaving them unable to advance further. The Nakzaang column has also reportedly failed to make significant progress toward Tonzang town.
On 15 May, resistance forces reportedly ambushed SSPC military troops advancing toward Tonzang town at Lawizaang Hill, located between Gelzaang and Lomzaang villages. The attack was said to have inflicted substantial losses on the ZRA and SSPC-aligned forces.
Following the clashes, SSPC military forces conducted retaliatory airstrikes on Lomzaang village using jet fighters. Two bombs were dropped, one exploded inside the village and another near its outskirts, though no civilian casualties were reported.
Local sources also said pro-SSPC propaganda channels have accused residents of Phaitu, Lungtah, and Salzaang villages of supporting resistance groups. Reports further claim that threats have been circulated on social media warning that those villages could face destruction similar to previous attacks on Nakzaang and Buangmual villages. – Reporting by Daniel
