16 June 2026 – The State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) has significantly escalated its military campaign in Chin State, launching a series of relentless airstrikes and conducting coordinated troop movements across Mindat and Kanpetlet townships over the past 72 hours.
The surge in activity, characterized by a heavy reliance on air power, signals a deepening of the conflict in the region as military operations persist through mid-June.
The SSPC military fighter jets launched four airstrikes on the eastern part of Mindat township between 7:00 am and 7:12 am, dropping an estimated eight bombs.
These strikes were preceded by an overnight assault on 15 June, where two Yak-130 fighter jets from Naypyidaw’s Air Base conducted four bombing runs east of Mindat at approximately 11:00 pm.
In addition, a period of intensified activity saw multiple air sorties originating from Tada-U and Shan Te Air Bases. Strikes were recorded near Mindat on 13, 14, and 15 June, with aircraft dropping a total of six bombs in the early hours of 15 June alone.
On 13 June, a Y-8 military transport aircraft from Shan Te Air Base landed at Kyaukhtu Airport to deliver personnel, ammunition, and other supplies. Concurrent with these deliveries, ground forces—including approximately 60 troops from Infantry Battalion 368 (IB-368)—advanced toward Pansan village, while other columns were reported moving toward Saw town.
Reliance on air power
Military analysts and local observers note that the SSPC’s intensified use of air power appears to be a direct response to stalled ground offensives. As resistance forces challenge the SSPC’s hold on territory, the military has increasingly turned to indiscriminate air and drone attacks.
The use of varied aircraft—including Yak-130s, MiG-29s, and Y-8 transport planes—suggests a concentrated effort to maintain logistical lines and suppress local resistance groups who have been operating in the area.
Humanitarian impact and civilian safety
The continuous bombardment has had a severe impact on the civilian population in Chin State. Reports indicate that at least six civilian houses were damaged in a single village during the airstrikes on 13 June.
The ongoing volatility has created a precarious environment, with residents frequently urged to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and avoid areas susceptible to shelling and ground operations.
Beyond the immediate threat of violence, the broader socio-economic landscape remains fragile. Earlier reports from the region have highlighted challenges such as damaged infrastructure and humanitarian access issues, including the recent volatility in regional trade routes and civilian displacement.
While local defense groups continue to monitor the situation, independent verification of total casualties and the full extent of structural damage remains difficult to obtain due to the ongoing nature of the conflict.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring local security alerts as the situation remains highly fluid. – Reporting by Ben
