- Myanmar’s UN Ambassador says the junta’s destruction of the justice system has fueled the surge in human trafficking
m.CDM, November 26
Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations said the military junta’s deliberate destruction of the country’s justice system has created conditions in which human trafficking incidents—where people are exploited and trapped—have surged.
Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, made the remarks at the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly to review the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
He informed attendees that Myanmar’s trafficking crisis is a direct result of the illegal military coup in February 2021, and is a clear sign of the country’s institutional collapse.
With the domestic justice system in ruins, organized and systematic human trafficking has intensified; modern slavery and cyber-crime have also expanded rapidly, turning Myanmar into a major hub for cross-border crime networks, he added.
Citing a UNODC regional researcher’s warning that crime under the junta is “spreading like cancer,” he briefed representatives from over 80 countries.
He also noted that the Karen National Union (KNU) has called on the international community to cooperate seriously in collecting evidence, conducting effective investigations, and combating cyber-crime.
Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said coordinated global action could effectively investigate, arrest, and dismantle these criminal syndicates—and also uproot the military dictators who are the root cause.
- Time to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and Myanmar junta’s election lacks freedom and credibility, says Thai Foreign Minister
m.CDM, November 26
Thai Foreign Minister Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on November 25 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) that Myanmar’s upcoming junta-run election would not be recognized because it lacks freedom and credibility.
“What we want is a free and credible election. But we know this will not happen. We will not be in a position to recognize such an election,” he said.
However, he noted that even an imperfect election could—like the 2010 election—create an opportunity for the country to move toward stability and democracy.
He urged the immediate release of 80-year-old Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on humanitarian grounds.
“It is time to release her. Sometimes we must say what needs to be said. Her detention has gone on too long. We do not even know her health condition. So this should be addressed first and immediately,” he added.
He warned that without cessation of violence and inclusive dialogue—even after the election—ASEAN will find it difficult to re-engage with Myanmar.
- Four months of clashes in Myingyan District: heavy junta casualties reported
m.CDM, November 26
The Myingyan Black Tiger (MBT) group reported that in Mandalay Region’s Myingyan District, joint operations by junta forces, People’s Defense Forces (PDF), and Special Police Commando units have resulted in repeated clashes over four months, with significant casualties on the junta’s side.
Since the offensive that began on July 31—conducted by Myingyan People’s Defense Force (Thitar Yu Mon), Naypyitaw Special Police Commando Unit, and Light Infantry Battalion 15—resistance allied forces have launched multiple counterattacks.
During these months of fighting, the junta suffered heavy casualties, while the resistance seized drones, weapons, and ammunition. Resistance forces also sustained losses.
MBT fought alongside Byawkkya Army (Bo Sar Byawkkya), some Myingyan District battalions, and other allied units.
The junta column targeted the Myingyan–Nwar Htoe Gyi road and burned several villages along the route.
- Over 10 junta troops killed in clashes with KIA and KPDF in Hpakant; some soldiers captured
m.CDM, November 26
In Kachin State’s Hpakant Township, heavy clashes erupted after junta forces advanced toward Sann Kwel and Sharaw Khru villages. More than 10 junta soldiers—including an officer leading the column—were killed, and several were captured.
At about 6:43 p.m. on November 25, around 100 junta troops advanced toward Sann Kwel, prompting KIA and KPDF troops to launch defensive attacks.
Earlier that morning, a junta drone strike near Sar Maw killed one resistance fighter.
The attack also damaged Kuthein Monastery’s abbot residence, a monastery vehicle, a dormitory, and the fire station, injuring one firefighter.
Since late May, brutal junta assaults involving heavy artillery, drones, and small arms have killed more than 90 civilians in Hpakant and injured over 270.
- NMSP-AD: Will work with regional and international partners to dismantle cyber-scam and trafficking networks
m.CDM, November 26
The NMSP-AD announced plans to collaborate with resistance allies, international organizations, and local groups to prevent Myanmar from becoming a global hub of cyber-crime and human rights abuses.
It stated that junta forces and their allied militias protect these scam compounds and profit heavily from them, enabling the expansion of criminal operations.
These crimes have reached alarming levels, affecting victims from 77 countries and causing global losses of over USD 15 billion annually.
According to the group, illegal profits from these operations are being used by the junta and its allied armed groups to fund attacks against civilians.
The NMSP-AD has formed a Cross-Border Cyber Suppression Task Force to assist trafficking victims, rescue those trapped inside Myanmar, and support international cooperation.
They are prepared to work closely with the U.S. Scam Center Strike Force, Thailand, China, ASEAN, and states committed to combating online fraud.
They also plan to work with partners to pursue legal accountability for junta leaders and their subordinate armed groups that enable and benefit from these crimes.
- A massive DKBA-run narcotics factory producing WY and ICE found in deep forest near Thai-Myanmar border
m.CDM, November 26
A large narcotics production site owned by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) was discovered in deep forest about 23 miles from Myawaddy, along the Thai-Myanmar border, according to a report by Mizzima on November 26.
The site was first located in February 2023 by PDF Cobra Column-5 under Commander Ko Shine (who died in the 2023 Kawkareik battle).
The compound spans over 650 feet in diameter. It is situated off the Walay Road, near Kyaok Wa Pho Base, before reaching Kyauk Khat Village, then two miles beyond a place known as Thae Phyu Chaung, accessible only by a hidden trail.
Investigators found WY pill-printing machines, ICE production facilities, warehouses, dumping sites, detention rooms, medical rooms, living quarters, and areas where bodies had been buried. Minefields were also found.
Around 10 bodies were found buried nearby; some wore DKBA uniforms.
Workers—Burmese and Thai—were reportedly forced into labor and, when sick, denied hospital treatment and given only basic medicine, according to a former DKBA soldier who spoke to Mizzima.
Satellite images show the site was constructed in 2021 and is still inhabited.
There may be three to four more similar drug factories along the Thae Phyu Chaung route producing heroin, WY pills, ICE, and dried drugs.
- After KNU announced it had preserved the Min Let Pan scam site for international investigation, the junta launched airstrikes
m.CDM, November 26
After the KNU announced it would preserve the Min Let Pan scam compound—captured by KNLA allied forces on November 21—for international investigation rather than destroy it, junta forces responded with an airstrike.
Junta aircraft bombed Min Let Pan Village in Lay Kay Kaw region on November 26 around 1 p.m.
The KNU had said it seized the compound holding some 2,000 scam-forced laborers along with all buildings, equipment, and evidence, and would work with international experts to investigate.
The junta then reinforced and launched further attacks. Since October 23, the junta has also been clearing mines near the nearby KK Park scam compound.
On November 21, during clashes in Min Let Pan, KNLA forces overran a DKBA unit led by Brigadier General Naing Lwin, resulting in approximately 230 DKBA troops surrendering.
The unit was stationed inside an active scam compound, and the KNU seized around 2,000 scam workers along with evidence.
The DKBA unit under Naing Lwin is reportedly controlled by Major General Saw Kyaw Hla, who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for involvement in transnational fraud and criminal operations.
The KNU has formed a high-level task force to combat scam operations along the Thai-Myanmar border. Its deputy chairman is overseeing coordination with international partners regarding the Min Let Pan case.
- Junta forces coercing inmates at Loikaw Prison to cast early votes
m.CDM, November 26
The Karenni Political Prisoners Association (KPPA) reports that Loikaw Prison authorities have been coercing inmates to cast early votes in the junta’s planned election.
Since September, prisoners—including pre-trial detainees and convicted inmates—have been forced to participate.
Under electoral law, prisoners are not eligible voters, making the junta’s coercion a violation of its own election law, KPPA said.
KPPA added that this violates citizens’ right to a free and fair vote, and is an attempt at rigging the election.
Local sources estimate Loikaw Prison holds around 500 inmates.
As the junta pushes to stage a sham election to legitimize itself, resistance forces nationwide are campaigning for the public to reject and resist the junta’s poll.
- Protective gear supplied through the “To Magway” campaign delivered to Magway PDF units
m.CDM, November 26
The Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG) announced that protective equipment—including bulletproof vests and helmets—supplied by the “To Magway” campaign has been delivered to frontline PDF battalions under the Magway Regional Command.
The Ministry thanked Forward Myanmar and supporters for their contributions.
Forward Myanmar has encouraged continued support for its ongoing “To Sagaing” campaign.
Today’s news was submitted by Ko Thit Lulay and Kharl Shell.