8 May 2026 – State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) forces seized control of the strategic area around Laikua dam in Falam township, Chin State, following intense fighting with local resistance groups yesterday.
The clashes, which erupted along the Falam-Hakha Road, reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 15 SSPC soldiers and left many more injured.
Chin resistance groups were forced to make a temporary tactical withdrawal due to a distinct disadvantage in troop strength and weaponry. SSPC troops have since established positions around the dam area.
The advance raises strategic concerns, as a military source warned that if the resistance fails to block the column, SSPC forces could proceed from Laikua dam through the Khualhring mountain range toward Rihkhawdar.
This recent military push into Falam township coincides with reports of local villagers fleeing the area amid escalating conflict.
The current offensive in Falam is part of a persistent SSPC effort to regain ground in Chin State. The SSPC has struggled to maintain control in the region since the 2021 coup, often relying heavily on air power due to significant losses in ground operations. – Reporting by Daniel
