Greetings.
From this moment onward, we will be presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s news includes the following headlines:
- KIA and allied forces resume offensive on Bhamo, enter SAC Battalion (641); the military commission conducts airstrikes
- A two-year-old child killed and nine injured due to airstrikes by the terrorist military in Laydoe Soe Township
- Thirteen junta personnel, including a strategic commander, killed in fighting in Ye-U town
- Australian Senator Dean Smith says he will meet NUG representatives and Myanmar activists during visits to Malaysia and Thailand
These and other related developments will be covered in today’s report.
⸻ - KIA and allied forces resume offensive on Bhamo, enter SAC Battalion (641); the military commission conducts airstrikes
m.CDM | January 14
According to military sources, a coalition of allied forces led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) resumed their offensive on Bhamo town in Kachin State on January 14 and have managed to enter SAC Battalion (641).
At around 6:00 a.m., the allied forces launched coordinated attacks on multiple junta positions inside Bhamo, including Light Infantry Battalion (47), Weapons Battalion (641), Artillery Battalion (366), Tank Battalion (5004), Field Medical Battalion (11), training and logistics bases, as well as the Computer University, which is currently occupied by junta forces.
During the fighting, at approximately 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m., junta forces carried out airstrikes using jet fighters, and also conducted supply drops using Y-8 aircraft, according to reports.
At present, KIA-led allied forces are confirmed to have entered the Battalion (641) compound, though detailed ground conditions remain unclear due to communication disruptions.
During 2024, KIA and allied forces previously launched an offensive on Bhamo and managed to seize several junta bases. However, due to shortages of weapons and ammunition, they were unable to fully capture the town and were forced to withdraw.
Subsequently, from December 28, 2025 to January 13, 2026, there were no direct ground clashes. Instead, both sides exchanged fire using heavy weapons and drones, while junta forces continued daily aerial bombardments.
Similarly, in Katha town, joint forces of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and KIA have been besieging Light Infantry Battalion (309). Reports indicate that the battalion is facing severe shortages of medicine and supplies, and phone and internet connections in Katha have been almost completely cut off.
⸻ - Two-year-old child killed and nine injured in airstrike by terrorist military in Laydoe Soe Township
m.CDM | January 14
The Karen National Union (KNU) Central Committee announced on January 14 that a two-year-old child was killed and nine civilians injured after the terrorist military launched an airstrike on the Laydoe Soe Township office, located in the Myeik–Dawei District of the Kawthoolei-administered area.
The airstrike occurred on January 10 at approximately 1:40 p.m., when junta fighter jets bombed the area.
As a result, one two-year-old child was killed, while eight women and one man, a total of nine innocent civilians, sustained injuries.
According to the KNU statement, the junta deliberately carried out aerial bombings, drone attacks, and heavy artillery fire in areas under KNU–Myeik–Dawei District administration—regions where the junta has lost control and is unable to conduct the second phase of its sham elections. These attacks were intended to terrorize civilians ahead of the election period.
⸻ - Junta airstrike on Lente village, Falam Township damages churches and homes
m.CDM | January 14
Local residents reported that junta forces carried out an airstrike on Lente Village in Falam Township, Chin State, damaging churches and civilian homes.
At around 1:00 a.m. on January 14, junta jet fighters dropped three bombs on the village.
Ah Han, [1/14/2026 11:18 PM]
Although no civilian casualties were reported, the RC Church, Revival Baptist Church, and multiple residential houses were damaged.
Lente Village has previously been subjected to airstrikes, causing most residents to flee. Only a small number of villagers remain.
The village is located about 15 miles from Falam town along the Webula–Falam road, where a junta military column advancing from the Webula side is reportedly present.
Previously, on January 11, the junta also carried out an airstrike on Thee Bual Village, destroying six houses, including a township hospital.
⸻ - Junta column ambushed in Mingin Township; at least five soldiers seriously injured by landmines
m.CDM | January 14
At 9:00 a.m. on January 14, the Student’s Revolutionary Force (SRF) announced that it ambushed a junta column advancing from the Khan Village–Taungya Forest base camp toward Pyaingpinmaw Village in Mingin Township, after receiving advance intelligence.
Clashes occurred near Donywe area, between Khan Village and Pyaingpinmaw Village, lasting approximately one hour.
During the fighting, junta troops triggered landmines, and eyewitnesses confirmed that at least five soldiers were seriously injured.
SRF warned that in early 2026, junta forces in Mingin Township have increased troop strength and weaponry. As further offensives may occur after the election period, local civilians are urged to remain vigilant about security.
⸻ - Drone attack on junta checkpoint at Gangaw town entrance; communication lines disrupted
m.CDM | January 14
In Gangaw town, Magway Region (Yaw area), revolutionary forces conducted a drone attack on a junta joint inspection checkpoint located near Light Infantry Battalion (50) at a road junction, according to Yaw Alintan.
The attack occurred at 8:30 p.m. on January 12, injuring two junta soldiers and several police officers, and causing minor damage to the checkpoint.
Following the attack, junta forces from LIB (50) fired two 60mm artillery shells indiscriminately toward Saindu Village west of the river.
After the drone strike, Telenor mobile service was cut off across Gangaw Township, while MPT service was disrupted in some areas.
The checkpoint is heavily guarded by junta soldiers, police, and regime-controlled civil servants, and is used to strictly monitor entry and exit from the town.
At the time of the attack, a welcome dinner for a newly appointed battalion commander of LIB (50) was reportedly taking place at a nearby restaurant.
⸻ - Thirteen junta personnel, including a strategic commander, killed in Ye-U town fighting
m.CDM | January 14
The Farmer Heroes Khin U People’s Security Force announced that 13 junta personnel, including a strategic-level commander, were killed during clashes in Ye-U town, Sagaing Region.
On January 11, during the junta’s sham election day, attacks were carried out at approximately 11:00 a.m. and 6:55 p.m. targeting junta positions around Kyafu Circle and an 81mm mortar emplacement using drones, aerial-dropped bombs, and heavy weapons.
The attacks reportedly destroyed one 81mm mortar and a jamming system installation.
In addition to the fatalities, many junta personnel were injured.
The attacks were jointly carried out by the Ye-U Township PDF, Farmer Heroes Khin U, Shwebo District PaKaFa Drone Unit, and Shwebo District PaKaFa Assault Unit.
The Ye-U Column announced that resistance forces based in Ye-U Township will consolidate their scattered units to systematically eliminate enemy forces.
The Ye-U Column was officially formed on November 15, 2025, combining forces from Shwebo District Battalions 11, 14, and 24, along with other resistance groups in the township.
⸻ - Australian Senator Dean Smith to meet NUG representatives and Myanmar activists during Malaysia–Thailand visit
m.CDM | January 14
Australian Senator Dean Smith, who also serves as Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, announced that he will meet National Unity Government (NUG) representatives and Myanmar activists during his visit to Malaysia and Thailand from January 12 to 18.
Ah Han, [1/14/2026 11:18 PM]
He stated on January 13 that the trip will be conducted using his own funds in his capacity as Assistant Minister.
During the visit, he plans to meet Myanmar activists, faith-based humanitarian organizations, and NUG representatives to discuss the current crisis in Myanmar and its impacts.
He noted that Myanmar’s humanitarian and security situation remains severe and urgent.
He will also meet Australian officials, UNHCR representatives, and other humanitarian agencies in Malaysia and Thailand.
According to his statement, the trip aims to better understand ASEAN’s response to the Myanmar crisis, assess humanitarian concerns surrounding the military’s elections, and examine the impacts of changing international aid, including reductions in U.S. assistance.
Members of the Myanmar community in Western Australia will also accompany the trip. Information gathered will support the Australian Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee inquiry on democracy and human rights in Myanmar.
⸻ - Timor-Leste President meets Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) to discuss legal proceedings
m.CDM | January 14
A delegation led by Salai Za Uk of the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) met with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta for one hour on January 14 at the Presidential Palace in Dili, according to a CHRO statement.
The delegation detailed the junta’s systematic violence across Chin State and Myanmar, including deliberate attacks on civilians, hospitals, schools, and churches through aerial bombardment.
They also discussed the legal case filed in Dili against 10 Myanmar military officers over the 2022 massacre in Matupi Township, in which 10 people—including a journalist and a child—were killed, as well as targeted killings of religious leaders.
Following the meeting, Salai Za Uk said:
“Even if justice cannot be achieved in our own country, we are seeking a situation where justice can be restored here.”
Both sides highlighted shared historical experiences of struggling for independence and justice, emphasizing a sense of kinship between Timor-Leste and Myanmar.
CHRO expressed gratitude to President Ramos-Horta for his attentive engagement and stated that, as a leader of a nation that itself fought for justice, he would understand the suffering of the Myanmar people.
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The news presented today was contributed by Ko Thit Lulay and Kharshel.