Tatmadaw regains control of Thantlang following temporary occupation by CNF, CDF

Tatmadaw regained full control of Thantlang Town in Chin State on July 16, 2026, after a series of military operations against the Chin National Front (CNF) and Chin Defence Force (CDF), which had temporarily controlled parts of the town, according to official sources.

The report said that since February 2023, the CNF-CDF joint force had launched repeated attacks on security forces in an effort to seize control of Thantlang, using superior manpower and heavy weapons. It alleged that the group established defensive positions in government offices, religious buildings, schools, hospitals, and residential areas, while security forces resisted the attacks despite facing shortages of ammunition, difficult terrain and weather conditions, casualties, and increasing damage to civilian homes and public buildings.

According to the report, while the town was under the temporary control of the CNF-CDF joint force, household belongings and valuables were allegedly taken from residential homes by force. The report also alleged that bunkers, trenches, and communication trenches were constructed inside non-military facilities, including government offices, religious buildings, schools, and hospitals, to support urban combat operations.  The report stated that the Tatmadaw subsequently planned and carried out a counter-terrorism operation aimed at protecting civilians and minimizing damage to public infrastructure and residential areas, regaining full control of Thantlang on October 29, 2023. It added that the CNF-CDF joint force withdrew after sustaining heavy casualties.

According to the report, the CNF-CDF joint force later regrouped, replenished its personnel and weapons, and launched a second offensive on July 22, 2024, using superior manpower and firepower. Security forces reportedly resisted the attack but temporarily withdrew from some positions in the town as fighting intensified and damage to civilian homes and government buildings increased, while continuing efforts to contain the opposing force.

The report said Tatmadaw columns launched another operation on June 12, 2026, following preparations to recapture the remaining positions in the town. During the operation, security forces successively regained control of the township police station on June 13, Basic Education Primary School No. 3 on June 19, Basic Education High School No. 1 on July 5, the public hospital on July 8, the township fire services station on July 12, and the hotel zone on the evening of July 15, before regaining full control of Thantlang on July 16, 2026, according to the report.

The report added that, in line with the State's guidance to restore normalcy and regional development, rehabilitation materials and relief supplies are being transported to the area by military aircraft and vehicles, while relevant government departments have begun rehabilitation and reconstruction activities.