Dozens of Myanmar junta POWs escape detention in Chin State

At least 60 junta prisoners of war captured by resistance forces escaped from detention in northern Chin State’s Tedim Township on Sunday, according to a Chin fighter familiar with the situation. The POWs, who were in the custody of the Tedim-based People’s Defence Force (PDF) Zoland, fled after being permitted to leave their holding area to take a shower, the source told Myanmar Now. The prisoners allegedly assaulted their guards and seized some weapons and ammunition while making their escape. According to the source, PDF Zoland was still searching for the escapees on Monday, but there were no confirmed reports that any had been recaptured. “If they have reached the main road and managed to make contact with military forces, it’s possible they’ve gotten away for good. But it’s still too soon to say for sure,” the Chin fighter said. Officials from PDF Zoland and its Chin Brotherhood allies were not available for comment when contacted by Myanmar Now on Monday. Most of the escapees were captured during fighting over Kennedy Peak, a strategically important location on the Kalay-Tedim road that was retaken by junta forces late last year. Others were military personnel captured during fighting elsewhere in the area. Junta soldiers captured after Chin resistance forces seized Kennedy Peak in November 2023 (Photo: PDF Zoland) PDF Zoland captured a Myanmar military camp on Kennedy Peak in November 2023, taking about a dozen soldiers prisoner, including a major. After losing control of the position two years later, PDF Zoland was able to retake it after several months. The military has since reoccupied the site. The reported escape highlights the difficulties faced by Myanmar resistance forces in holding prisoners captured during the country’s civil war. Maintaining detention facilities requires both secure territory and sufficient personnel. Earlier this year, more than 80 POWs and other prisoners held by Karenni resistance forces escaped from a detention facility in Karenni State’s Mese Township. Nearly half of the escapees fled across the border into neighbouring Thailand. Myanmar’s military has increased pressure on Chin State since late last year. During the first half of 2026, it recaptured the northern towns of Falam, Tonzang, and Thantlang and has sought to expand its control to other areas. The military has also been advancing toward Mindat and Kanpetlet in southern Chin State from the Yaw region of neighbouring Magway Region. The Chin Brotherhood and allied resistance forces have been fighting to repel the advances.

Dozens of Myanmar junta POWs escape detention in Chin State

It is the second mass jailbreak in resistance-held territory this year, following a similar incident in Karenni State in January

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