11 June 2026 – A senior health official has been confirmed killed following a large-scale aerial assault by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military on the headquarters of the Chinland Defence Force-Zophei (CDF-Zophei) in Thantlang township, Chin State, early this morning.
Ms. Van Dawt Chin, the newly elected Secretary of the Health Department of the Zopheiram Council, was killed during the bombardment.
A graduate of Monywa Law School and a noted figure in the local legal community, her death has been described by CDF-Zophei sources as a significant loss. Approximately four to five others were injured in the attack.
The SSPC military executed a coordinated series of airstrikes between 8:00 am and 9:30 am, targeting areas under the control of the CDF-Zophei—a key member organization of the Chinland Council.
According to reports, the operation involved an intense deployment of air assets from multiple bases, including Tada-U, Naypyidaw, Magway, and Shante. The aerial assault comprised 11 bombing runs by seven fighter jets—including four Yak-130s, two JF-17M Thunders, and one MiG-29.
Additionally, reports indicate a Y-12 aircraft was utilized to drop over 20 bombs across the headquarters area, surrounding forests, and mountainous terrain.
This assault is part of a broader, intensified military campaign by the SSPC, which has increasingly relied on air power as its ground offensives face significant resistance. Chin State and adjacent regions have seen consistent, indiscriminate attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets, often resulting in severe casualties and displacement.
Frequent airstrikes on non-military sites, including monastery schools, churches, and residential areas, have become a recurring feature of the conflict. Recent updates from the region highlight the devastating impact of these tactics, with documented incidents killing children, students, and community volunteers across various townships, including Falam, Mindat, and Kanpetlet.
The incident occurs amid a tense political and military landscape. While resistance forces like the CDF continue to push for federal democracy and hold territory, the SSPC has stepped up efforts to disrupt local governance structures through targeted airstrikes and psychological pressure on civilian administrative bodies.
Investigations into the full extent of the material damage and civilian casualties from today’s airstrike on the Zophei area are currently ongoing. – Reporting by Daniel
