Mingalaba — From now on we will present m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s items are:
1. Clash in Aunglan Township between junta forces and PDFs trying to cross the Ayeyarwady — six PDF members killed.
2. Jet fighter airstrike in Wetlet Township injures three civilians; fire breaks out.
3. Fixed-wing drone strikes on junta troops in Myaungmu.
4. In Taungtha battle, retreating junta soldiers shoot one another — more than 30 soldiers killed.
5. Bago regional military conducts basic field medical training graduation.
6. KNU chairman Pado Saw Kaw Htu Win says military means will be needed as politics alone will not be enough to build a federal democratic union.
7. Report released detailing “Myanmar’s Biggest Fraud 2025” — the sham election.
8. Donations exceed Ks. 50 million for victims of the bombing at Mrauk-U hospital.
9. KNU and Chin revolutionary groups urge people not to gather during Christmas and New Year.
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### 1) Clash in Aunglan Township — six PDF members killed
**m.CDM, 19 December**
In Magway Region’s Aunglan Township, a clash broke out between junta forces and members of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) who were attempting to cross the Ayeyarwady River toward Kamma (Tharyar) area. The encounter occurred between Myint U village and Nyaungpinseik village.
The contact happened at about 5:30 p.m. on 18 December while six PDF members who were trying to cross the Ayeyarwady were intercepted and accidentally engaged by a nearby junta unit. Initial investigations indicate six PDF members were killed.
Reports say some weapons carried by the PDF fighters were seized by the junta during the clash. At this stage it is not yet clear which PDF unit the casualties belonged to.
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### 2) Jet fighter airstrike in Wetlet Township — three civilians injured; fire breaks out
**m.CDM, 19 December**
In Sagaing Region’s Wetlet Township, in the northeastern area near Thonbo village and the Than Kone Taungkoh front, a jet fighter from Tada U carried out its second airstrike on 19 December at approximately 1:23 p.m. and 1:25 p.m., dropping roughly 250-pound bombs, the Wetlet Informational Network reported.
Three civilians were wounded: Ko Saso Htun (about 30), Ko Myo Aung (34), and Daw Ni (about 50). Explosions caused fire at the impact sites.
The report notes the same area had already experienced an airstrike on 13 December.
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### 3) Fixed-wing drones strike junta troops in Myaungmu
**m.CDM, 19 December**
Myaung Drone Force (MDF) reports that on 18 December, fixed-wing drones dropped bombs on a junta detachment stationed at Gwepin Taung village, Myaungmu Township, Sagaing Region.
At about 9:23 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., four bomb detonations hit locations where junta soldiers were gathered — bunkers, kitchens, parked vehicles — and an area about 60 meters from where heavy weapons were being emplaced.
After the drone strikes, the junta reportedly returned heavy weapons — more than ten pieces — and continued firing, but resistance commanders say their forces withdrew without sustaining casualties.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Myaungmu Township PDF, Myaungmu Township PLF, Alakpato Township PDF, Myaung Drone Force (Kyarkhin Sein), Justice Warrior units, and anti-drone teams.
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### 4) Taungtha battle: incoming junta soldiers fired on one another — over 30 killed
**m.CDM, 19 December**
OneMore Column reports intense fighting in Taungtha Township, Mandalay Region, resulting in the deaths of more than 30 junta soldiers.
On 2 December, a junta column that had advanced into Taungtha’s southern area was ambushed by waiting resistance forces. A three-hour engagement followed in which resistance units, positioned in ambush, struck the leading elements with a combination of heavy and small arms, overrunning the vanguard.
While engaging the second wave of advancing junta troops, some of the junta soldiers were reported to have fired upon each other in the chaos, which led to many casualties among their ranks.
In total, over 30 junta soldiers were killed. On the resistance side, OneMore Column lost two commanders, and TaungTha PDF (TTA) lost one fighter.
The attack was a joint operation by OneMore Column, TaungTha PDF (TTA), PPGF (Pup Par), the We Lon frontline People’s Defense Group (Taungtha), and the Danu People’s Defense Force.
The junta column reportedly originated from Meiktila Division (Unit 99), numbering about 230 troops, and departed on 18 November to sweep villages across Mya Hlaing and Taungtha townships. Resistance forces also used drones to bomb the advancing column on approaches to Malai and Taungtha border villages.
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### 5) Bago regional military holds basic field medical training graduation
**m.CDM, 19 December**
The People’s Defense Forces, Strategy (2) Operational Area, Bago Regional Command’s Medical Department held the Basic Field Medical Training Class Graduation (Batch 1/2025), the Region-2 command announced.
The ceremony took place within a controlled area of Bago Region. Senior regional officers and commanders from the medical battalion attended.
At the graduation, the PDF flag was honored, fallen heroes of the Spring Revolution were commemorated, and participants pledged allegiance to the cause. Certificates, field medical kits, unit insignia and awards for outstanding trainees were distributed. The event concluded successfully with remarks of thanks presented on behalf of the special commando unit.
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### 6) KNU chair Pado Saw Kaw Htu Win: Political routes alone are insufficient — military means will be necessary to build a federal democratic union
**m.CDM, 19 December**
In a message commemorating the 2765 Karen New Year (dated 19 December), KNU (Karen National Union) chairman Pado Saw Kaw Htu Win reiterated that the KNU’s aim is to dismantle authoritarian systems and establish a federal democratic union.
He said that fully achieving this goal cannot rely solely on political means, and the use of military means will also be necessary.
He urged the Karen people and all ethnic groups and communities to understand and join practical, united resistance so they can together pursue changes in governance and secure success.
The message emphasized that only after ending the military dictatorship and building a federal democratic union will genuine internal peace be possible.
The chairman criticized the junta’s plan to hold a sham election modeled on the 2008 constitution, saying it is intended to cement long-term military control. He warned that junta leaders are employing various tactics to participate in and manipulate the process.
Although five years have passed since the coup, the chairman noted that political, military and public resistance has grown stronger — and with much of the international community refusing to recognize the junta, the regime continues to face political, military and economic difficulties.
He called for unity among Karen organizations and encouraged cooperation to set aside differences for the collective national interest.
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### 7) ASECC & SIF release report: “Myanmar’s Biggest Fraud 2025” — the sham election report
**m.CDM, 19 December**
On 18 December, the Anti-Sham Election Coordination Committee (ASECC) and the Strategic Implementation Force (SIF) released a report titled **“Myanmar’s Biggest Fraud 2025 — the Sham Election.”**
The report concludes the junta’s planned election on 28 December is designed to guarantee victory for figures favored by the military, and that the poll is merely a façade to legitimize military rule.
Key findings include that the election will not follow democratic norms, that it violates the will and freedoms of the people and tramples human rights, and that free and fair competition is impossible under the current conditions.
The report also points out the junta’s manipulation of electoral boundaries, the use of confusing PR and FPTP mechanics that the public does not understand, and structural design to allow only a partial ballot process that fabricates a union legislature.
It notes that 57 political parties have been listed to compete, including pro-regime parties and nominal ethnic parties — but in practice all will be expected to follow the political line set by the military.
The report further highlights the participation of extreme-nationalist elements and armed leaders among candidate lists.
ASECC and SIF call on the international community not to cooperate with or recognize this sham poll and urge support for federal democratic actors and anti-sham election efforts.
ASECC and SIF were formed in October 2022 and now coordinate activities across roughly 22 administrative regions and nearly a hundred townships, including ethnic armed organizations, political parties, strike committees, and civil society.
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Donors pledge over Ks. 50 million for victims of the Mrauk-U hospital bombing
**m.CDM, 19 December**
Following the airstrike that hit the public district hospital in Mrauk-U (reported 10 December), domestic and international donors have contributed more than Ks. 50 million for the victims, writer and relief activist Wae Hein Aung posted on his social media.
The collected funds have been handed to the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) for distribution. Wae Hein Aung reported that donations will help families of the dead and the injured — and that part of the fund (Ks. 21,00,000) will be earmarked to procure three X-ray machines urgently needed by the hospital, along with Ks. 9,00,000 for other medical supplies and pharmacy needs.
The junta’s bombing of Mrauk-U hospital on 10 December killed more than 30 civilians — patients, health staff and children among them — and injured over 70. The international community and human rights groups have labeled the attack a war crime. The Arakan Army (AA) has pledged to seek justice for the innocent victims.
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### 9) KNU and Chin revolutionary groups advise no large gatherings over Christmas and New Year
**m.CDM, 19 December**
Both Karen revolutionary forces and Chin local administrative bodies have issued orders advising civilians not to hold large gatherings for worship or festivities over the Christmas and New Year period.
They cited the junta’s historic pattern of taking advantage of holiday periods to commit killings, atrocities and abuses, and reminded people that since 1985 civilians have frequently suffered during these holiday periods.
Consequently, from 19 December through 5 January they urged the public, allied units and civic organizations to refrain from mass gatherings. Local authorities warned that violators would face action.
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These news items were provided by Ko Thit Lulay and Kharshell.