Myanmar junta air force launches 11 airstrikes in Falam as reinforcement columns struggle to retake strategic border town

Mizzima

The Myanmar military has intensified its aerial campaign over Falam Township, launching 11 separate airstrikes on 27 January 2026, in a desperate attempt to support ground columns that have been stalled by Chin resistance forces for over three months.

The confrontation began after a military convoy arrived from Kalay Township in Sagaing Region on 20 January. The convoy later engaged Chin forces between Bar Lone and Zaung Lay villages, about 40 miles from Falam, on 26 January. The following day, on 27 January, the air force carried out repeated strikes, dropping 58 bombs in 11 separate attacks between 10:07 am and 10:46 am, Chin military source said.

“Air strikes happen almost daily with Y12 aircraft. If they are not bombing, they are dropping supplies such as food and ammunition for their troops,” a Chin military source told Mizzima.

The source added that junta troops may have suffered casualties during the fighting, but the number and details have not yet been confirmed.

Since the end of October 2025, two military columns of around 500 troops each have been advancing toward Falam from the Kalaymyo–Thaing Ngin–Kalay Wai Bula route. Falam Township is under Chin resistance control, and clashes with Chin joint forces have continued. After three months of fighting, the junta columns have reportedly been unable to advance beyond the villages of Khuangli and Sumhrang, located more than 10 miles from the town.

Due to heavy losses, arrests during the fighting, and cases of soldiers switching sides and taking refuge with Chin resistance forces, the junta is now sending additional reinforcements. Another column of about 200 to 300 troops, along with vehicles, is being deployed to strengthen the offensive.

“If the next column is coming along the road, it is about halfway between the previous two columns. If it can continue to advance, we need to see if it will merge with the previous columns or not,” said Salai Tin Mi Htut, spokesperson for the Falam-based Chin National Defence Force (CNDF), on the evening of 27 January.

Military observers warn that if the junta manages to retake Falam, it could open the way for further offensives toward Rikhawdar and Hakha, key trading towns along the India–Myanmar border.

Falam was captured by the Chin Brotherhood and allied forces in April 2025. It is currently defended by the Chin State Council and its armed groups, including the Chin National Army (CNA).

Meanwhile, the fighting has displaced more than 10,000 residents across the township. Aid workers say urgent assistance is needed, including food, medicine, and shelter for those forced to flee.