Greetings to everyone.
From this moment on, we will be presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s news includes the following headlines:
- Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health; her cases are purely criminal matters, says Major General Zaw Min Tun
- During ten days of fighting in Pauk Khaung Township, 55 junta troops were killed or wounded
- Fighting broke out in Myingyan Township, killing 22 junta personnel including one officer
- The UK government says it will continue supporting children and youth to ensure access to education for all Myanmar communities
…along with other news stories.
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First News Item - Fighting in Myingyan Township leaves 22 junta personnel dead, including one officer
m.CDM – January 24
Fierce fighting broke out at two locations in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region—between Patta Village and Lay Ein Tan Village west of Myingyan town, and along the road between Myingyan and Nwahtogyi towns. According to a statement released by the Myingyan Black Tiger (MBT) group, 22 junta personnel were killed.
The clashes along the Myingyan–Nwahtogyi road began around 7:00 a.m. on January 20 and continued intensely until around 6:00 p.m. During the fighting, the junta provided air support once with a jet fighter and once with an Mi-35 helicopter.
MBT stated that seven junta soldiers were killed during this engagement, many others were injured, and some weapons, ammunition, and related equipment were seized.
MBT forces fought alongside Bo Sa Guerrilla Forces and the Burmese Guerrilla Force (BGF).
Additionally, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., clashes occurred between junta troops and MBT, along with the MGN Anyar Guerrilla Force, in the area between Patta Village and Lay Ein Tan Village west of Myingyan.
In that engagement, 15 junta personnel, including one officer, were killed and more than 20 others were injured.
Across both clashes, two resistance fighters were honorably killed and 14 others were wounded.
⸻ - Ten days of fighting in Pauk Khaung Township leave 55 junta troops killed or wounded
m.CDM – January 24
Over a ten-day period, multiple clashes occurred in Pauk Khaung Township, Pyay District, Bago Region, resulting in the deaths of 55 junta troops, according to a statement from Pyay District Battalion 3602.
On January 7 at around noon, Battalion (2), Company (3) raided a polling station in Ye Phyu Village, burned election-related documents, and warned residents not to participate in the junta’s sham election.
On January 8 at 9:20 a.m., around 60 junta troops advanced toward Ye Phyu Village, prompting Battalion (2), Company (3) and Pauk Khaung Township PDF to launch mine and gun attacks.
Five junta soldiers were confirmed dead on the spot. The junta fired back with two 40mm grenades, but resistance forces withdrew without casualties.
On January 10 at 3:23 p.m., resistance forces attacked around 50 junta troops stationed at Thayar Kone Village cemetery and Kansu school. Damage assessments are ongoing.
These operations were carried out jointly by Pyay District Battalion (2) Company (3), Battalion (1) Company (3), and the Pauk Khaung Township PDF.
During the ten days of clashes, one civilian was injured by junta heavy weapons fire. Approximately 55 junta personnel were killed or wounded, while resistance forces withdrew safely without casualties.
⸻ - Deputy police chief at Gangaw Town Police Station dies from drone bomb injuries
m.CDM – January 24
A deputy police chief under the junta at Gangaw Town Police Station in Magway Region died from injuries sustained in a drone bomb attack carried out by resistance forces, according to local news source Yaw Alin Tan.
The attack occurred on January 12 at a junta checkpoint near Infantry Battalion 50 in Gangaw town, where four drone bombs were dropped. Two soldiers and two police officers were injured.
Among the injured was the deputy police chief, who died on January 23 and was buried the same day at Mokhaung Cemetery.
As Gangaw town is included in the third phase of the junta’s sham election scheduled for January 25, Infantry Battalion 50 deployed hidden security checkpoints around the town starting at 9:00 a.m. today.
Additionally, the battalion is organizing sports and entertainment events for Union Day on February 12 and has reportedly been collecting money from local residents and Starlink phone shops to fund prizes.
⸻ - Junta checkpoints and security outposts attacked in Pakokku, Nat Thangwin, and Phyu townships
m.CDM – January 24
Resistance forces attacked junta checkpoints, security outposts, and mobile inspection units in Pakokku Township (Magway Region), Nat Thangwin Township, and Phyu Township (Bago Region).
On January 22 at 6:10 p.m., a junta checkpoint south of Inpin Village in Pakokku Township was attacked with four rockets; three exploded successfully.
The operation was carried out jointly by Aung Myae Guerrilla Force and Pakokku PDF Heavy Weapons Unit (COBRAONE). The junta responded by indiscriminately firing at least ten heavy artillery rounds.
On the same day, a junta outpost in Nat Thangwin Township was attacked with heavy weapons by a joint resistance force, injuring several junta soldiers.
This attack involved KNLA Battalion 9, Bago District Battalion 2, and Thayarwaddy Galon Force, using heavy weapons produced by the ROBINHOOD Missile Team.
Similarly, in Phyu Township, Taungoo District, resistance forces attacked junta troops providing security for the sham election, killing two soldiers.
On the morning of January 23, resistance forces launched a surprise attack on around eight junta soldiers conducting spot checks in Zhaung Hlyar Khone Village.
The operation involved Ayeyarwady Battalion 3, Hinthada District Battalion 2, and Babu 23/24 Sniper Team.
⸻ - Resistance forces in Kani warn of heightened airstrike risks as sham election phase three approaches
m.CDM – January 24
As the junta’s third phase of its sham election approaches, resistance forces in Kani Township are warning residents to be especially cautious of airstrikes.
With elections scheduled for January 25, the junta has been carrying out near-daily air attacks in affected townships.
Kani Township was bombed on January 22 and 23, while Tant Se and Kantbalu townships were also hit by airstrikes.
On January 22, an airstrike in Kani Township killed one woman, injured an elderly woman and a man, and destroyed three houses.
On January 23 around 1:30 p.m., junta forces also fired from a gyrocopter near the Yelay Kyun Pyu militia camp.
As the sham election will be held in Kani town on January 25, resistance groups urge residents—especially those in nearby villages and resistance fighters—to remain vigilant against aerial threats.
⸻ - Junta officers deceive youths into forced recruitment and use them as cannon fodder, says captured soldier
m.CDM – January 24
A junta soldier captured by the Arakan Army (AA), identified as Chit Ko Zin, testified that junta officers forcibly recruited young people, sending them to military training under false promises that “the war will soon end” and “politics will improve,” according to AA-released video footage.
Chit Ko Zin, from Kyauktaga Township, Bago Region, said he was arrested on July 1, 2025, while returning home by bicycle after working as a daily laborer in Yangon. He was beaten and forcibly conscripted.
He said officers threatened him, asking whether he preferred prison or joining the army. During training (Batch 15), drug users and alcoholics were present, and instructors themselves smuggled and sold narcotics.
About 30 trainees attempted to flee; those recaptured were brutally tortured. Before graduation, recruits were falsely told they would only be assigned to checkpoints, but were instead sent to frontline combat.
Later deployed to Infantry Battalion 257, he said that over 80 of 118 troops in his column were new conscripts. The battalion commander threatened to kill anyone who fled.
Conscripts were pushed to the front lines while officers stayed behind. After six weeks, fewer than 50 remained. Most casualties were conscripts, killed by snipers, drones, and landmines.
He was captured by the AA on January 17 during fighting near Pazi Village along the Ann–Padaung road in Magway Region. The testimony was released on January 23.
⸻ - Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health; her cases are criminal, not political, says Zaw Min Tun
m.CDM – January 24
Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the junta’s National Defense and Security Council, stated on January 24 that detained State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health.
He made the remarks while responding to media questions at Pyin Oo Lwin airport after escorting diplomats and journalists to narcotics production sites in Hsipaw and Mongyai.
He said: - Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s health condition is good;
- She is being regularly treated and monitored by specialist doctors from both the Ministry of Health and the military;
- Her cases are criminal in nature rather than political, particularly involving corruption charges, and will proceed under the law.
⸻ - UN Special Rapporteur again urges global rejection of junta’s sham election
m.CDM – January 24
UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Tom Andrews urged countries around the world to firmly reject the junta’s sham election.
Speaking on January 23, he said the military had rigged the process to ensure victory for only its allied proxy party.
The three-phase election concludes on January 25. Andrews noted that respected political leaders and parties have been banned, fundamental rights suppressed, and media silenced.
He also highlighted coercion and threats against citizens who refuse to vote, stating that accepting the election results would amount to legitimizing military dictatorship.
He called on governments to increase pressure on the junta and halt arms, aviation fuel, and financial support.
⸻ - UK government pledges continued education support for all Myanmar communities
m.CDM – January 24
The UK government announced it will continue supporting children and youth to ensure education access for all communities in Myanmar.
The commitment was reaffirmed on January 24, International Day of Education.
The British Embassy in Yangon stated that in 2025 alone, over 440,000 children and more than 34,000 educators received effective educational support nationwide.
Through scholarship programs such as Chevening and ASEAN–UK SAGE Women in STEM, outstanding Myanmar youth continue to receive opportunities for higher education in the UK.
The statement emphasized the right of everyone to access safe and free education. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also urged governments and donors to prioritize education in policy, budgets, and recovery efforts.
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Today’s news was reported by Ko Thit, Luu Lay and Khur Shel.