Myanmar junta battalion commander killed in fierce Falam Township clashes

Mizzima

Chin National Army (CNA) officials stated that Lieutenant Colonel Thant Zaw Oo from the junta forces was killed during intense fighting in Falam Township, Chin State.

The Lieutenant Colonel was reportedly killed on 23 April during a clash near Tsum Hrim Village between a junta column advancing to capture Falam and Chin revolutionary forces.

“Battalion Commander Thant Zaw Oo fell in yesterday’s battle. We understand he was a Lieutenant Colonel. Although the enemy suffered heavy casualties, detailed circumstances are not yet known,” Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson for the CNA, told Mizzima.

A Chin forces commander on the front lines also confirmed the officer’s death to Mizzima.

“We received news that Thant Zaw Oo has been taken down. The ‘dogs’ (junta troops) took many hits in yesterday’s fight,” he said.

A front-line Chin revolutionary member also said that they have only been able to confirm the deceased Lieutenant Colonel Thant Zaw Oo was a battalion commander from a unit under the 77th Light Infantry Division (LID).

Mizzima has not yet been able to independently verify the death of the Lieutenant Colonel in battle.

Since late October 2025, the junta has been launching offensives with approximately 1,000 troops from the Kalay-Teingin and Kalay-Webula routes to retake Falam Township, which is controlled by Chin revolutionary forces.

About six months after the offensive began, the junta managed to station troops in Lunbang, Phathal, Var Bridge, Tsum Hrim, and Khunli within Falam Township. Intense fighting is now occurring near Kyawng He, Tsum Hrim, and the strategically important Surbung Airport, located about five miles from Falam.

According to front-line military sources, battles remain fierce on 24 April as the junta continues to advance by conducting excessive airstrikes, despite suffering heavy losses on the ground.

The quasi-civilian military administration declared a 90-day state of emergency on 23 April for 60 townships nationwide controlled by revolutionary forces, including all townships in Chin State except Hakha and Tedim.

Salai Htet Ni commented that this announcement is a pretext for the junta to use military operations as an excuse to allow its local troops to terrorize and oppress the public.

A Chin force leader warned citizens in townships and villages under martial law to remain vigilant, dig bomb shelters, and prepare for potentially increased aerial bombardments by the junta.