Myanmar's Chin State: Junta Forces Retreat Amidst Intense Clashes with Rebels, Facing Airstrikes and Modern Weaponry

Myanmar's Chin State: Junta Forces Retreat Amidst Intense Clashes with Rebels, Facing Airstrikes and Modern Weaponry

Chin State, Myanmar — The Myanmar military is being pushed back in a bloody conflict against the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) and its allies in Chin State. In the ongoing "Mission Jerusalem" operation aimed at capturing the strategic town of Falam, rebels have surrounded the military's last stronghold in the mountainous region. However, they face significant challenges due to airstrikes and modern weaponry.

Current Situation of the War

• Operation Name & Objective: The battle for Falam, a former capital of Chin State, began in November 2023 under "Mission Jerusalem" due to its strategic importance.
• Casualties: So far, 50 CNDF and allied fighters have been killed, while rebels claim to have captured 100 junta soldiers.
• Military Strategy: The Myanmar military is using Russian and Chinese fighter jets, artillery, and snipers to defend its position. Rations and supplies are being airlifted by helicopters to sustain their troops.

Challenges & Struggles of the Rebels

Deputy leader of the CNDF, Peter Thang, told Al Jazeera, "We have limited weapons and training, but we are advancing inch by inch." After the 2021 military coup, CNDF was formed by ordinary citizens and is now attempting to capture a district headquarters for the first time without external separatist group support.

Humanitarian Crisis & the Role of Youth Fighters

• Displacement Crisis: According to the United Nations, around 3.5 million people have been displaced across Myanmar. In Falam, families affected by bombings are taking shelter under plastic sheets and makeshift tents.
• Youth Fighters: Teenagers like 15-year-old Junior are actively supporting hospitals and civilians. He says, "I will do whatever I can so that future generations don’t have to witness this war."

Struggles of the Myanmar Military & Testimonies of Captured Soldiers

• Forced Recruitment: The junta is forcibly conscripting soldiers. A unit deployed near Falam told Al Jazeera, "Our commanders sent us into battle without proper planning. Many have died, and others have fled."
• Captured Soldiers’ Statements: One prisoner stated, "The military leaders will eventually offer peace talks. One day, democracy will return."

Internal Divisions Among Chin Rebels & Efforts for Unification

• Factional Conflicts: The Chin National Front (CNF) and the Chin Brotherhood (CB) alliance have internal disputes over power-sharing and administration. In February 2024, they announced the formation of a "Chin National Council", but tribal conflicts persist.
• Expert Opinion: Myanmar analyst R. Lakh commented, "Seventy percent of Chin State is now liberated, but without internal unity, a complete victory is impossible."

Casualties & International Reactions

• Civilian Death Toll: Since the 2021 coup, at least 6,353 civilians have been killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
• Global Response: The United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned the junta's airstrikes.

Historical Context

• The Chin National Front (CNF) was founded in 1988, while the Chin Brotherhood (CB) emerged after the 2021 coup. Their unification efforts face significant challenges due to internal tribal rivalries.

This ongoing conflict in Chin State underscores both the growing strength of resistance forces and the persistent instability within Myanmar.