21 May 2026 – More than 300 displaced residents began returning to Tedim town today as the security situation stabilized, according to local sources.
Nearly half of the town’s population—estimated at over 7,500 people—had fled since 1 May following reports that the People’s Defence Force-Zoland (PDF-Zoland) and allied local defense forces were preparing to launch a town-seizure operation.
Concerns among residents eased after local allied forces, who were reportedly preparing for an offensive, withdrew on 14 May 14 without launching an attack.
The State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) had deployed approximately 600 troops to Tedim town on 8 May, and a joint offensive by SSPC and ZRA-EC forces was launched from Tedim toward Tonzang town on 12 May.
The mass displacement triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, most notably leaving the 100-bed Tedim General Hospital in a state of emergency. The facility has been operating without specialized medical staff after several doctors fled the area amid the initial fears of conflict, leaving remaining patients with severely limited access to essential healthcare.
To facilitate the return of residents, local community groups organized free transportation, utilizing 12-wheel trucks to assist those traveling back today. Additional transport services have been scheduled for 22 May to accommodate more returnees as the situation continues to stabilize. – Reporting by Daniel
A video clip posted on Facebook by Khangthak Media: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1671686420736087
