An interview with Salai Timmy, the spokesperson of the Chin National Organization/Chin National Defense Force (CNO/CNDF), about the successful capture of Falam and its future plans
The Chin Brotherhood Alliance announced that, as of 9 April, its military operation to capture Falam has successfully cleared all junta forces from Falam Township—coinciding with the five-month anniversary of the campaign.
Due to Falam’s strategic significance for military operations and transportation, the junta reportedly reinforced its troops multiple times and provided over 1,000 instances of aerial support during the battle in an effort to retain control of the town.
On the other hand, alongside the Chin Brotherhood, allied resistance forces also reinforced their troops and maintained sustained offensive operations throughout the five-month-long battle, despite facing numerous challenges. As a result, they ultimately succeeded in fully capturing Falam Township.
The capture of Falam by Chin resistance forces is widely viewed as a turning point in the campaign to expel junta forces from Chin State. It comes as the Spring Revolution enters its fifth year, marking over four years of continued resistance. The Chin forces have set their sights on completely eliminating junta presence from the state by the end of 2025.
Khonumthung Media Group (KMG) interviewed Salai Timmy, Spokesperson of CNO/ CNDF, which successfully captured Falam, about the successful military operation to capture Falam and its future plans.
Q: First, could you tell us briefly about the battles to capture Falam?
A: The military operation to capture Falam began on 9 November 2024. The town was fully captured on 7 April 2025. The operation began on 9 November 2024, and within that same month, the forces were able to capture the police station and other military outposts located within the town, ultimately taking control of the town. While we were encircling and conducting operations on the remaining IB-268, in December 2024, the junta deployed around 100 reinforcement troops. Furthermore, one in January 2025 and twice in March, the State Administration Council (SAC) side deployed military reinforcements of over 200 troops to IB-268. The military council has been defending IB-268 in Falam using jet fighters and Y-12 aircraft. Despite over 1,000 attacks, we successfully seized control of IB-268 and the entire town of Falam on 7 April 2025.
Q: How significant is the battle to capture Falam for the Chin resistance forces? In military terms, how strategically important is Falam?
A: The reason we fought for over five months is that Falam is a town of immense strategic importance from a military perspective. Situated on the Union Highway between Kale and Hakha, Falam is not only strategically vital but also plays a crucial role in the economy and logistics due to its proximity to the India-Myanmar border. Whether for the capital, Hakha, or for Kale, a critical town for security, the junta has fiercely defended Falam for about five months using both heavy troops and jet fighters.
Q: What is the current situation in Falam, and what is the status of the area clearance operations?
A: At present, town cleanup and area clearance operations are still underway in Falam. Entry into the area is strictly prohibited, with only armed groups participating in the clearance efforts for security reasons. So far, there has been no response from the military council. Additionally, we are continuing our pursuit of those who fled and deserted from IB-268.
Q: Could you provide details about the seizure of weapons and ammunition during the battle to capture the town? Additionally, photos released show a large amount of cash was found—can you elaborate on that?
A: The seized weapons and ammunition include howitzers, along with various small and large arms. In addition, a significant amount of money was recovered, totaling over 400 million kyats.
Q: Have there been any additional captures of junta soldiers alive as prisoners of war?
A: As of now, we have captured over 200 junta soldiers. However, since there may be additional captures, we will finalize the list and make an official announcement at a later time.
Q: Many armed groups, including the ULA/AA and defense forces from the Anyar region, participated in the battle to capture Falam, working in collaboration with the joint Chin forces. How was the coordinated attack carried out? Could you share your memories of working alongside the Chin, Arakan, and Bamar joint forces?
A: The ULA/AA provided us with weapons and ammunition in Falam and shared valuable military tactics. Additionally, our Chin Brotherhood seeks to establish strong, neighborly relations with the people of the Anyar region. We are committed to collaborating with armed forces in Sagaing, Yaw, or the AA to keep the region free of junta control. This approach was also central to our success in capturing Falam.
Q: Now that the operation to capture Falam has been completed, are there any plans for subsequent actions?
A: As part of the area clearance operation, the CNO/CNDF will work swiftly to facilitate the safe return of displaced people to their homes in Falam. Additionally, we will take some time to restore and ensure the smooth functioning of our government administrative mechanisms.
Q: Finally, do you have anything to add?
A: In the battle to capture Falam, I would like to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude and utmost respect to the heroic martyrs who gave their lives, the brave comrades who sacrificed their limbs, the allied forces who displayed unwavering determination on the front lines, and to all the Chin brother organizations who stood united. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.