Hello / Mingalaba. From now on, we will be reading and presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.�Today’s news includes:
1. The Acting President points out that Russia and some neighboring countries are effectively helping prolong the military dictatorship; the KIO/KIA Chair warns that the junta fears the growing strength of revolutionary forces and is trying to sow divisions.
2. The National Unity Government grants amnesty/clemency to more than 100 prisoners.
3. In Salin Township, one civilian is killed due to the junta’s indiscriminate heavy-artillery fire.
4. In Bago, an attack that wiped out a junta column leaves six dead, including a captain.�Along with these stories, we will also present other items.
1) Acting President: Russia and some neighboring countries are helping prolong the dictatorship; KIO/KIA Chair warns the junta is trying to divide the resistance
m.CDM – January 1
In a New Year’s address, Duwa Lashi La, Acting President of the National Unity Government (NUG), explained the Spring Revolution’s achievements and challenges, and pointed out that the political stances of Russia and some neighboring countries appear to be encouraging the military dictatorship to endure longer.
He said that military assistance and technology support given to the junta had resulted in the loss of some people-controlled areas.
He again urged that the more the armed revolutionary forces can unify under a single central command, the faster they can eradicate the military dictatorship.
He first praised the public and the resistance, saying that although the revolution began with bare hands, they had expanded many people-controlled territories and struck the junta hard militarily and politically.
He described as achievements: being able to form three federal unit governments, selecting and forming federal unit governments in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway, expanding ethnic areas, and connecting political platforms.
He also praised the public, saying that about 80% of the people did not cast ballots in the junta’s sham election, proving their opposition to military rule.
However, he acknowledged that the dictatorship has not yet been fully uprooted and that the revolution still faces ups and downs and turning points.
He explained that challenges continue due to military, political, diplomatic, financial, and geopolitical constraints.
He reiterated that Russia and some neighboring countries’ positions effectively support the dictatorship, and that military and technical support to the junta had caused the resistance to lose some territories again.
He said some ethnic revolutionary groups had been compelled to accept ceasefires due to pressure from powerful neighboring countries, which weakened military pressure on the junta and allowed it to “breathe easier.”
He warned that the longer the dictatorship survives, the longer the public’s suffering will last.
He strongly appealed to certain neighboring countries not to help prolong the dictatorship.
He again urged that unifying armed revolutionary forces under a single central command would allow the fastest progress toward eliminating the dictatorship.
He called for honoring and welcoming efforts to build unity within the military coalition and for sustaining consistent public support.
He said that groupings such as the C3C already exist and pledged to strengthen them further.
He also urged the international community to continue sanctioning and pressuring the dictatorship apparatus and to continue providing humanitarian assistance.
Likewise, in a New Year’s message, Senior General N’Ban La, Chair of the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA), said they are working to form a broad allied coalition—politically and militarily aligned—to uproot and defeat the military dictatorship and chauvinism.
He called on revolutionary forces to fight in unity.
He said that although territory under junta control was captured in 2025, the junta’s large-scale offensives forced the resistance to focus mainly on defensive operations to avoid losing ground.
He pointed out that the junta’s attacks targeting civilian homes, hospitals, schools, and churches led to high civilian casualties.
He warned that the junta fears the growing strength of revolutionary forces and is trying to create divisions, including attempts to stir conflict between Kachin and Shan communities.
2) NUG grants amnesty/clemency to more than 100 prisoners
m.CDM – January 1
On January 1, the New Year, NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La issued an order granting amnesty/clemency to more than 100 prisoners.
The statement said this was done in the interest of the Spring Revolution, to help bring peace of mind to the public, and out of humanitarian considerations.
It said that 110 prisoners serving sentences in various prisons and detention camps were granted unconditional clemency under Section 401(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
For remaining prisoners not covered by the full amnesty, the announcement said one-third of their sentences was remitted in accordance with Section 401(1).
3) One civilian killed by junta’s indiscriminate heavy-artillery fire in Salin Township
m.CDM – January 1
In Sinphyukyunn (Salin Township, Magway Region), indiscriminate shelling by junta forces killed one civilian, according to a statement by “People’s Brothers – Salin.”
At around 8:00 p.m. on December 31, junta forces based in the town and at the Nweitamae Bridge checkpoint reportedly fired heavy weapons indiscriminately.
A shell landed and exploded in Man-gyi-taung Quarter New Village, killing a woman named Daw Se Ma (around 60 years old), and injuring four civilians, according to the report.
It also said that on January 1, further indiscriminate firing with heavy and small arms from the same bridge checkpoint caused explosions at a junta-controlled General Administration Office and a tractor station near the town’s exit, leading to a fire and destruction.
4) In Bago, attack on a junta column kills six, including a captain
m.CDM – January 1
In Bago Township, Bago Region, the People’s Defense Force (PDF) No. (2) Operational Area, Bago Regional Military Department, said it attacked and wiped out a junta force that advanced in a column.
The statement said the attack occurred on December 28, during public protest actions opposing the junta’s illegal sham election.
During the fighting, the junta side reportedly suffered six deaths: one captain, one warrant officer, one medical officer, and three enlisted soldiers. The remaining troops reportedly retreated in disarray with injuries.
The statement also said five junta personnel were captured alive as prisoners of war, and that the resistance seized 12 small arms, ammunition, hand grenades, radios, and other military equipment.
It said the operation was carried out by fighters from Company (3) of Battalion (3701) under the command of Strategy (22) of the Bago regional command in Operational Area (2), with no casualties on their side.
5) In Myaing/Pauk area: month-long clashes with a junta column; aid delivered for over 1,500 displaced households
m.CDM – January 1
In Myaing and Pauk townships (Magway Region), the Myaing PaKaFa said it attacked a junta column that departed from KaPaSa (24) at least nine times in December using various methods.
It said that from December 9, the column entered villages including Chaungku, Kyun-taing, Gaepin-in, Sa-thein, Nyaung-yin, Gwegon, Dhatdaw and nearby villages, and committed abuses including slaughtering and eating civilians’ livestock, looting property, destroying homes, and arson.
It said numerous clashes occurred from December 9 onward, and that continuous attacks by the junta using advanced drones resulted in one resistance fighter killed and ten injured.
It claimed junta troops and allied Pyu Saw Htee forces suffered casualties on multiple dates—13 (Dec 9), 6 (Dec 13), 2 (Dec 14), 4 (Dec 19), 4 (Dec 24), 2 (Dec 25), 3 (Dec 26)—for a total of 34 killed or wounded.
It also said that on December 28, a major with the junta stepped on a mine and was evacuated by Mi-17 helicopter to the Northwestern Command, and that on December 30 four more soldiers/Pyu members stepped on mines.
It said the column cremated bodies of dead soldiers/Pyu members in roadside huts, and transported wounded and supplies onward using 18 vehicles to Pyu villages.
It said forces including Pakokku PaKaFa, Myaing PaKaFa, Pauk PaKaFa, Magway PDF and allied groups closely monitored and attacked the column while prioritizing civilian safety.
During the period of the column’s operations, it said food assistance was provided to over 1,500 displaced households by Pakokku District PaKaFa, Pauk/Myaing PaKaFa, the Pauk humanitarian group, and local people from the Pauk–Myaing–Salingyi area.
6) IEC Chair: 2026 must be a year of working together with all Myanmar people to realize Karenni’s national liberation dream
m.CDM – January 1
The Chair of the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC), Khu Oo Reh, said 2026 must be a year to work hand-in-hand with all the people of Myanmar so that it can truly become a year in which Karenni’s national liberation dream begins to be realized.
He said this in a New Year message sent to the people of Karenni on January 1.
He said the message was delivered with deep respect, love, encouragement, and strength for Karenni people who have endured extremely harsh times.
The message said that although Karenni has suffered wide-ranging damage—social, economic, cultural, and security—under the brutality of dictatorship, no hardship can stop the people’s courage, unyielding spirit, and belief in liberation.
It also stressed that Karenni’s revolution is not only for Karenni itself, but is an essential foundational force for building a new federal democratic union across Myanmar.
Khu Oo Reh said Karenni’s steadfastness, sacrifices, and united refusal to accept defeat are proof that Karenni stands as one with all Myanmar people who seek justice.
He urged Karenni people to continue working together in unity throughout 2026 to truly begin realizing national liberation, for the sake of all the people of Myanmar.
He also called for continued effort so that Karenni’s revolutionary history becomes a record-worthy testament in world history of perseverance, courage, and dignity.
In addition, he said preparations are underway in Karenni to quickly build a federal-based legislative system, fully implement community-based local governance, guarantee equal rights and equal protections for all ethnicities, and establish human rights and dignity as the political foundation.
He also appealed to the international community to support Karenni’s just struggle for freedom at every level—political, social, economic, and humanitarian.
7) Northern Shan: MNDAA checkpoints withdraw along Hsipaw–Mehan junction; agreement not to station checkpoints on the Union highway; junta regains control of Madaya–Singu–Thabeikkyin road section in Mandalay Region
m.CDM – January 1
Military sources said MNDAA checkpoints were withdrawn from the junction about 9 miles from Hsipaw Bridge to the Mehan checkpoint outside Lashio, and that both sides agreed that no group would station checkpoints on the Union highway.
It said only the checkpoints were withdrawn, not the troops, and that this situation followed a meeting between the two sides on December 29.
Local residents said MNDAA troops were no longer seen at the Mehan checkpoint starting the morning of January 1.
Similarly, military sources said revolutionary forces withdrew from the Mandalay–Madaya–Singu–Thabeikkyin road section, which they had controlled for over a year, allowing junta forces to regain control.
It said Chaunggyi Village was vacated on December 30, and that resistance fighters were still present only along some of the intermediate routes.
Because of fears of junta troops entering, civilians had been fleeing since early December, escaping to the west bank of the Irrawaddy—to parts of Sagaing Region and Shwebo Township—and that in places such as Zayatkwin, Leipkya, and Kyitaukpauk, no residents remained.
Myaing PaKaFa holds graduation ceremony for Basic Military Training Course, Batch (5/2025)
m.CDM – January 1
Myaing PaKaFa announced that it held a graduation ceremony for its Basic Military Training Course, Batch (5/2025) on December 31 at a location in the area.
It said 40 trainees attended and the course lasted nearly two months.
Officials from Myaing PaKaFa and responsible personnel from relevant units attended the ceremony.
It said Myaing PaKaFa continues efforts to build local unity, train and strengthen forces, and carry out military operations aimed at uprooting the dictatorship.
9) Ayeyarwady Region: 13 civilians killed and at least 40 injured in two months due to junta violence
m.CDM – January 1
AYA PDF Strategy No. 29 said that in Yegyi, Laymyethna, and Ingapu townships in Ayeyarwady Region, junta violence over two months (November–December) killed 13 civilians and injured around 40.
It said that between November 1 and December 31, bombardment by jet fighters and paramotors, as well as artillery shelling, killed 8 men and 5 women, aged 21 to 68.
It also said that attacks involving jet fighters, paramotors, suicide drones, artillery, and landmines injured at least 40 civilians, including five children, ranging in age from 4 to 75.
It said more than 50 structures—including homes and market stalls, as well as monasteries, schools, and village bridges—were burned or destroyed, and that domestic animals were also killed.
It further said that across all of 2025, junta violence in Yegyi, Laymyethna, and Ingapu townships killed 69 civilians, injured 125, and damaged or destroyed at least 167 civilian homes.
10) NUG Ministry of Defense releases detailed report on major 2025 developments and territorial control status of the PDF
m.CDM – January 1
The NUG Ministry of Defense released a detailed report on January 1 on developments and territorial control by the People’s Defense Force (PDF) during 2025.
It said the most important development in 2025 was building a firm nationwide Unified Command.
It said that whereas the forces were previously organized into three military regions—No. (1) Military Region, Southern Military Region, and Central Military Region—the headquarters took over the lower Sagaing five districts, as well as Magway and Mandalay regions, enabling effective administrative/logistical support and operational command. It also said the Southern and Central regions were reorganized as regional commands directly controlled by headquarters.
It reported that nationwide there are 10 regional commands, 1 division, and 360 battalions under the single command. It said a PaKaFa headquarters was established, with the Ministry of Defense managing public affairs matters.
It said headquarters manages military affairs; at present it commands 11 state/region PaKaFa, 54 district PaKaFa, 212 township PaKaFa, for a total of 277 PaKaFa organizations, and that command structures at region and district levels have been systematically formed so that PDF and PaKaFa operations can be carried out under unified command.
It said that by the end of December 2025, PDF and allied revolutionary forces fully seized 37 townships, and continued to encircle/control 41 townships.
It stated that they conducted effective city- and base-seizure battles not only in Kachin, Kayah (Karenni), Kayin, Chin, Rakhine, Sagaing, Mandalay, and northern Shan, but also in Magway and Tanintharyi; and that they fully captured Mansi, Falam, Indaw, Banmauk, and Mawtaung, while applying heavy pressure in Bhamo, Kyaukphyu, Hpapun, Katha, and Sinphyukyunn.
It said they are intensifying efforts to dominate and control the Sittaung River basin plains, parts of the old Yangon–Mandalay road, and the Mon–Tanintharyi Union Highway No. (8); and that revolutionary forces successfully controlled border trade posts and routes in Kachin, Rakhine, Chin, Kayin, and Tanintharyi.
It said that in 2025, areas under revolutionary dominance emerged in Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Tanintharyi, and Ayeyarwady, and that dismantling junta administrative mechanisms and building public administration has strengthened; PDF fighters’ capabilities improved, and they reached a stage where they could produce various weapons that could be used more confidently in assault, base-seizure, and city-seizure battles.
It said urban guerrilla operations effectively attacked enemy regional commands, air bases, and key battalion bases in major cities such as Naypyidaw, Yangon, Mandalay, Meiktila, and Taungoo.
To improve military justice and discipline, it said they formed military police units and opened military legal officer courses; they handled 255 military-offense cases and completed judgments in 109 cases.
It said honor certificates and funds are being awarded for fallen fighters, and support is being provided to surviving family members and disabled fighters.
It reported that in 2025 there were 7,139 clashes, with enemy killed 5,699, wounded 2,726, prisoners 1,124, totaling roughly 9,549 incapacitated; and that there were 2,984 clashes in the central dry zone and the Sittaung basin areas.
It said it increased battalion support to over 336,000,000 kyats (as stated in the report).
It said 536 personnel, including two majors, defected from the dictatorship side to the people’s side.
It also noted challenges such as reduced access to ammunition supplies and lack of rest for fighters; due to limited ammunition, some operations could not be implemented as planned.
For the next phase, it said commanders’ conferences will continue and they will pursue the goal of military victory; they will accelerate force-building, fundraising, and collecting weapons resources.
It said they will build strategic unity and continue efforts to advance to the level of a strategic offensive.
These news items were contributed by Ko Thit, Lu Lay, and Khar Shell.