Tatmadaw regains full control of Falam, temporarily held by CDF

Falam, the second-largest town in Chin State, is a mountainous town where district and township administrative offices are located. It borders Tiddim Township to the north and Haka Township to the south. Near Falam lies Surbung Mountain, where an airstrip is located, making it the first town in Chin State to have an airport. From Falam, one can travel to Kalay Township in Sagaing Region, and via the Falam-Haka road, to Gangaw Township in Magway Region. It is a strategically important and peaceful town.

In such a peaceful mountainous region, where local ethnic people lived and worked honestly, terrorist insurgent groups under the name of CDF, instigated and supported by CRPH and NUG terrorist groups, recruited and persuaded locals with political incentives under the pretext of democracy and regional development, and provided them with terrorist training. These groups aimed to destroy the lives and property of local people, disrupt government administrative mechanisms, and hinder development. Under the name of the Chin Brotherhood operation, they launched attacks in towns and villages and carried out assaults on small, weakly defended security outposts using excessive force. On 8 November 2024, they launched a large-scale attack on security forces stationed in Falam.

During the attack, security personnel resisted bravely with strong determination, fighting courageously and sacrificing their lives. However, due to the terrorists excessive numbers gathered by forced recruitment and their use of local civilians as human shields, security forces exercised restraint to minimize harm to civilians and prevent damage to homes, religious buildings, schools, and hospitals. After defending for about six months and suffering increasing casualties, the security forces conducted a systematic tactical withdrawal on 6 May 2025, and then, the insurgents temporarily took control of Falam.

To swiftly recapture Falam and eliminate the CDF terrorists, Tatmadaw columns made necessary preparations and logistical arrangements in Kalay and Tiddim. Coordinated surface and air operations were launched, and step-by-step counteroffensives were carried out. And, the locations were successfully recaptured Thayagon Village on 27 October 2025, Natchaung Bridge on 30 October 2025, Point-2244 Hill on 3 November 2025, Kennedy Mountain and Webula Camp on 4 November 2025, Point-2064 Hill on 8 November 2025, Thaingnin Camp on 9 November 2025, Point-1361 Hill on 17 November 2025, Zaungkaung Village on 26 November 2025, Zwelay Village on 2 February 2026, Htinshu Camp Village on 10 February 2026, Pathae Village on 31 March 2026, Var Bridge on 19 April 2026, Khunli Village on 22 April 2026, Point-1710 Hill, Kyunghinsha Village, and Sunhran Village on 23 April 2026, and Surbung Airport and Seizamaw Village on 24 April 2026. On 25 April 2026, Tatmadaw columns completely recaptured and regained full control of Falam, which had been under the temporary control of the insurgents.

For such a successful operation, local ethnic people can now safely return to their homes and live peacefully, free from threats, violence, coercion, and fear imposed by terrorist groups. They can now pursue their livelihoods in a stable and secure environment.

During the operations to recapture Falam and the surrounding areas, Tatmadaw columns fought bravely, sacrificing their lives. A total of 109 major and minor engagements occurred, 19 dead bodies of terrorists were seized, together with 33 assorted arms and ammunition. Some Tatmadaw officers and soldiers also made the ultimate sacrifice for the country and Tatmadaw.

While under the temporary control of the terrorists, the CDF terrorist groups constructed bunkers inside religious buildings, schools, government offices, hospitals, and residential homes, and used them to attack security forces. They also used homes as defensive shields and looted valuable items, food supplies, and commodities from houses and shops. Therefore, residents, including children and the elderly, suffered greatly, developed hatred for the insurgents, and were forced to flee to nearby towns and villages.

Tatmadaw columns are working to ensure that displaced residents can safely return to Falam. Efforts are underway to quickly restore administrative functions and prioritize the clearance of landmines planted by insurgents. In cooperation with local communities, reconstruction of damaged schools, hospitals, offices, religious buildings, and homes will be carried out as soon as possible. Security forces will also continue to intensify counter-terrorism operations to eliminate terrorist insurgents from Chin State.

The government has invited ethnic armed organizations to participate in open-ended peace dialogues to end the armed conflicts and resolve political issues through political means. Therefore, it is time for the armed groups, including the PDF, to consider this as an opportunity to choose the right path.

MNA/KTZH

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