Military sources and CDM Captain Zin Yaw have confirmed that Lieutenant Colonel Wai Lin Htun, commander of Infantry Battalion 268, and Deputy Commander Aung Si Thu were killed during the battle in Falam, Chin State. Both officers were killed during fighting that occurred on March 17. The commander’s wife had not been staying at the Falam base, citing health reasons, and was residing in Mawlamyine instead.
The death of Commander Wai Lin Htun was further confirmed as his wife is currently conducting funeral arrangements in Mawlamyine, according to CDM Captain Zin Yaw. Deputy Commander Aung Si Thu had been transferred to Falam after receiving a promotion from the Hlaingtharyar base in Yangon. According to a relative, he was initially shot in the arm during the battle and later killed by a hand grenade. His body was not returned to his family but was buried within the Falam military compound.
The battle began around 5 AM on March 11 when the military council forces launched an offensive with air support against revolutionary forces’ positions at Church Hill and Hospital Hill in Falam. This triggered intense fighting as revolutionary forces launched counter-offensives aimed at completely capturing Infantry Battalion 268. Sources confirm that Deputy Commander Aung Si Thu’s remains were not returned to his family but were instead buried within the Falam military compound area.
