22 June 2026 – Heavy fighting has gripped Thantlang town as local resistance forces continue to defend their positions against an aggressive incursion by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military.
According to reports from the Chin National Army (CNA) and the Chinland Defence Force-Thantlang (CDF-Thantlang), the hostilities began on 4 June, when approximately 300 to 400 SSPC troops, supported by a four-vehicle convoy, advanced from Hakha town toward Thantlang.
For one week, resistance forces successfully obstructed the SSPC advance on the Hakha-Thantlang road, engaging in intense combat.
On the night of 9 June, however, SSPC forces managed to breach the perimeter and enter Thantlang town. Since then, the conflict has intensified, with daily clashes reported between 10 June and 19 June.
Tactical shifts and drone warfare
The military escalation has seen the SSPC deploy a range of heavy weaponry, including tear gas and suicide drones, in an attempt to dislodge the resistance.
The CNA and CDF-Thantlang have maintained fortified defensive positions, stating that they have successfully neutralized five of the deployed suicide drones. While the SSPC has reportedly suffered significant casualties, the resistance forces have reported no fatalities or injuries among their ranks, attributing their survival to strategic positioning.
“The resistance forces are currently engaged in a blockade to prevent the SSPC from freely maneuvering within Thantlang, prioritizing the safety of the civilian population as much as possible,” the latest situation update stated.
Broader humanitarian Crisis
This surge in violence comes as Chin State continues to face one of the most prolonged and volatile humanitarian crises in the region.
Recent internal reports highlight that such military offensives consistently disrupt critical infrastructure, including water access points, vocational training programs, and the delivery of essential household and hygiene kits, which are already strained by the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Thantlang is consistent with a broader pattern of instability across Chin State, characterized by frequent airstrikes and artillery shelling that have displaced thousands and caused widespread infrastructure damage.
Humanitarian organizations working in the region have repeatedly warned that the intersection of military operations and the destruction of civilian sites creates dire risks for residents.
Urgent appeal for solidarity
In light of the ongoing siege, resistance leaders have issued an urgent appeal to the Chin people both domestically and in the diaspora to offer solidarity and support.
The call emphasizes the critical need for continued vigilance as the region navigates this latest chapter of the conflict.
The situation remains fluid. Community leaders and resistance groups continue to urge civilians to remain cautious and seek shelter, as the SSPC’s reliance on indiscriminate weaponry—including air and drone attacks—poses an immediate, ongoing threat to the town’s remaining residents. – Reporting by Daniel
