By Garcia Ni / MPA
Intense fighting has continued in Falam Town, Chin State, between junta forces and local defense groups. The military has reportedly provided aerial support and fired missiles and heavy artillery from Kalay Town in Sagaing Region, according to local sources.
Chin Brotherhood Allied Forces began an offensive to seize Falam on November 9, 2024. From the evening of November 9 onward, junta forces stationed in Kalay have been launching missile strikes in support of their troops in Falam.
A member of the local defense forces in southern Kalay Township told MPA, “They’ve been firing since the first evening. On November 10, they fired almost the entire day and continued the next day as well. There were so many strikes that we couldn’t keep count. Some missile shells even landed in Kalay neighborhoods, damaging several houses.”
Falam is located over 20 miles southwest of Kalay and can be accessed by road.
According to close residents, during the battle, local defense forces managed to capture several junta-held positions within Falam. However, Salai Tin Mi, spokesperson for the CNO/CNDF stationed in Falam told MPA that due to the tense conflict situation, no further details can’t be answered.
A male resident of Falam familiar with the ongoing conflict said,“There are reports that the junta side raised white flags and surrendered. Our side has casualties. However, because of the sensitivities of the situation, nothing can be answered at this point.”
Many residents in Falam and nearby villages were able to evacuate safely before the battle began, thanks to prior warnings from the defense forces.
A female resident of Falam explained,“The main needs for the displaced are food supplies like rice, oil, salt, chili, and onions. They managed to bring some warm clothing with them, but prices are rising, and the roads from Kalay are blocked. Supplies used to come from Hakah, but with the ongoing fighting there, nothing is getting through anymore.”
Due to the ongoing conflict, the Falam Regional Committee issued a directive on November 13, prohibiting all large and small vehicles from traveling through Falam.
Alongside the battle for Falam, the Chin Brotherhood Allied Forces are also fighting to capture Mindat in southern Chin State, where the military junta has heavily relied on airstrikes to maintain control.
