Sat Mar 15 08:33:45 UTC 2025: ## Chin Rebels Suffer Heavy Losses in Fight for Falam, Myanmar

**Falam, Chin State, Myanmar** – The Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) is paying a steep price for its ongoing offensive, codenamed “Mission Jerusalem,” to capture the strategically important town of Falam in western Myanmar. While the rebels have encircled the last remaining government garrison, the operation, launched in mid-November, has resulted in significant casualties.

CNDF Vice President Peter Thang estimates that approximately 50 CNDF and allied fighters have been killed in the past six weeks, many in direct air strikes by the Myanmar military’s jet fighters. Despite the heavy losses, Thang claims similar casualties among government forces and over 100 captured soldiers.

The CNDF, a civilian-led force formed after the 2021 coup, is fighting to liberate Falam, the former capital of Chin State. Capturing Falam would mark a significant milestone, representing the first district center seized by rebel forces without support from established ethnic armies. However, the rebels are heavily outgunned, facing constant aerial bombardment and ground attacks from the better-equipped military.

The battle for Falam highlights the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, where the military regime is employing forced conscription and indiscriminate air strikes against resistance forces nationwide. The conflict has already claimed at least 6,353 civilian lives according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, and displaced millions, according to the UN.

Despite internal divisions within the Chin resistance movement, a recent merger between two factions to form the Chin National Council offers a glimmer of hope for unity. Analysts suggest that the liberation of Falam could lead to further gains and strengthen the negotiating position of the Chin rebels. However, the success of the revolution depends on greater unity among pro-democracy forces, particularly the inclusion of the Bamar population, who remain largely under military control. The future remains uncertain, but the determination of the Chin rebels, even in the face of heavy losses, is undeniable.

Read More