In the mountainous region of western Myanmar, located within the Chin State, which neighbors India and is predominantly Christian, a драмаatic battle against Myanmar’s military regime is unfolding. This conflict has taken a significant toll on the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF), a group formed by civilians following the country’s 2021 military coup to fight against the military’s oppressive regime.
The conflict is particularly intense in Falam township, where the CNDF, along with fighters from 15 newly formed armed groups, have besieged a hilltop military base, holding approximately 120 government soldiers captive. These soldiers are reliant on supplies dropped by helicopter for their survival.
Despite facing significant challenges, including the advanced technology and weaponry of Myanmar’s military, the CNDF remains committed to their mission. Vice President of the CNDF, Peter Thang, emphasized their determination, stating the group will pursue victory until the end, no matter the cost.
The siege on Falam, codenamed “Mission Jerusalem,” has been brutal, resulting in the deaths of around 50 CNDF fighters in the initial six weeks of the operation. The military’s use of jet fighters for air strikes on earthen bunkers has been particularly devastating. Thang reports similar casualties among the military forces and over 100 government soldiers captured.
This conflict is significant not just for the control of Falam but also as a symbol of resistance. Capturing and holding Falam, a former capital of Chin State, without support from established ethnic armies, marks a new phase in Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.
However, the greatest challenge facing the CNDF and its allies remains the aerial attacks from the military. These operations trigger bombardments from both Russian and Chinese fighter jets, as well as rocket-propelled grenades and artillery fires from defending troops.
Despite these challenges and the internal divisions among the resistance groups, the CNDF, along with the Chin Brotherhood coalition, has made significant strides, even scoring previous victories with the aid of the Arakan Army. The ultimate goal is not just territorial control but the complete overthrow of Myanmar’s military regime.
The conflict has displaced countless civilians, with the United Nations reporting over 3.5 million people displaced within the country and has ignited a new generation of fighters, eager to end the cycle of violence. However, the path to victory is fraught with challenges, including internal divisions and the need for unity among democratic forces.
The battle for Falam is more than a fight for territory; it is a struggle for democracy and freedom against a regime that has consistently employed brutal force to maintain control. The outcome of this conflict will have profound implications for Myanmar and its people.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/15/inch-by-inch-myanmar-rebels-close-in-on-key-military-base-in-chin-state?traffic_source=rss
