Greetings,
From this moment, we will be presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s news includes the following headlines:
- A military column advancing from Launglon town toward Nyaung Maw village was engaged for nearly two months; multiple junta troops were killed, while three resistance fighters were martyred.
- Junta camps in Nattalin, Zigon, and Minhla townships were attacked and seized simultaneously; around 40 junta personnel were killed.
- KNU states that KTLA has no connection to the Kawthoolei Government, and that the name “Kawthoolei” is being misused.
- Within one week, a total of 87 junta personnel surrendered, defected, or were captured as prisoners of war.
These and other developments will be presented in today’s report.
1. Military Column from Launglon to Nyaung Maw Attacked for Nearly Two Months; Three Resistance Fighters Martyred
m.CDM | January 8
A military column advancing from Launglon town toward Nyaung Maw village in Tanintharyi Region was engaged in combat for nearly two months, resulting in multiple casualties on the junta side, while three resistance fighters were martyred and one was injured, according to a statement released today, January 8, by the Launglon Steel Butterfly Force (LLSBF).
The statement covers clashes that took place between November 10 and December 28, 2025.
After the junta column began advancing from Launglon town toward Nyaung Maw village on November 10, LLSBF and allied resistance forces launched joint attacks, the statement said.
During the clashes, coordinated ground assaults and drone strikes by resistance forces resulted in significant junta casualties, including officers. On the resistance side, three fighters were killed and one wounded.
The joint operation involved LLSBF, Dawei District Allied Forces (DDT), Dukha Column (DNLA), Spring Guerrilla Force, Guerrilla Dawei, Student Revolutionary Force, Federal Duwun Star Force, and Dawna Battalion 7.
2. Simultaneous Attacks on Junta Bases in Nattalin, Zigon, and Minhla; About 40 Killed
m.CDM | January 8
Junta military bases stationed in Nattalin, Zigon, and Minhla townships in Bago Region were simultaneously attacked on the morning of January 7, according to the Bago Regional Military Command.
In Nattalin Township, junta forces stationed at Taungnyo New Town Police Station were attacked by units under Strategic Command (22), including Battalion (3801), its company units, Battalion (3701), and Yangon PDF forces.
At least 20 junta personnel were killed, with many others injured.
In Zigon Township, the Pyusawhti camp at Baungbin Dam and Myikaukpin village was attacked by Battalion (3801), Battalion (3802), Thayarwaddy District PDF, and Zigon PDF.
About nine junta and Pyusawhti members were killed, and the camp was seized and cleared.
Similarly, in Minhla Township, junta camps near Ta Son junction on the Yangon–Pyay Expressway and near Ta Son Pagoda were attacked by multiple battalions and allied forces, including ACDF Battalion (3), Spring Bees UAV Force, and MDF UAV Force.
In this engagement, about 10 junta soldiers were killed and at least 10 injured.
Across all operations, one resistance fighter was martyred and five were injured.
3. KNU: KTLA Has No Connection to the Kawthoolei Government
m.CDM | January 8
The Karen National Union (KNU) has officially stated that the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA) has no connection to the Kawthoolei Government, following KTLA’s announcement on January 5 claiming the formation of such a government and declaring a Kawthoolei Independence Day.
KNU stated that these actions do not reflect the objectives of the Karen national revolution, are inconsistent with political realities, and fail to meet accepted standards of nation-building. The use of the name “Kawthoolei” was described as a misappropriation that damages the dignity of the Karen people and their revolution.
KTLA leader Saw Nandar Mya has been accused of war crimes and was officially dismissed and expelled from the KNU in January 2022 after repeatedly violating organizational rules while serving as KNDO Commander-in-Chief.
In July 2022, Saw Nandar Mya announced the formation of a breakaway group named Kawthoolei Army (KTLA), which KNU reiterated it has no affiliation with.
KNU reaffirmed its commitment to bottom-up federalism, working with other ethnic revolutionary organizations, democratic forces, and the public to establish a democratic federal union ensuring equality, self-determination, and inclusive representation, with the goal of building a Kawthoolei State or Kawthoolei Federal Unit in line with democratic standards.
4. Ambush in Nyaung-U Township; Seven Junta Soldiers Killed
m.CDM | January 8
In Nyaung-U Township, Mandalay Region, a junta column departing Nyaung-U town was ambushed on January 3 between Letwai and Mankyetan villages by Black Eagle PDF (Bagan).
The clash lasted around 20 minutes, resulting in seven junta soldiers killed and five injured. Due to insufficient ammunition, resistance forces withdrew.
Following the ambush, junta troops burned villages, and during subsequent clashes, one Black Eagle PDF fighter was martyred.
Resistance forces later seized one ENAGA round, two 40mm grenades, one hand grenade, 17 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, one G3 round, and two mobile phones.
Due to the military column, residents from 10 villages have been displaced.
5. Airstrikes in Myaing Township Destroy Two Houses
m.CDM | January 8
In Myaing Township, Magway Region, the junta conducted two indiscriminate airstrikes using jet fighters on January 8, destroying two civilian houses, according to Myaing PDF.
The first strike occurred at 6:04 a.m. in forested areas between Mankyekan and Nyaunggone villages.
The second strike occurred at 1:52 p.m., targeting the northern part of Mankyekan village, damaging two homes.
Due to the increasing frequency of indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian targets, Myaing PDF urged residents to remain vigilant.
6. Guerrilla Raid on Junta Position in Myingyan District
m.CDM | January 8
On January 2, joint forces led by Myingyan District Battalion (1), together with multiple allied units and Myingyan District PDF, conducted a guerrilla raid on a junta position in Nyaungpinsar village, Ngazun Township, at around 3:30 a.m.
Junta troops failed to mount an effective defense and fled. Resistance forces cleared the area and seized military supplies before withdrawing successfully.
One resistance fighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
7. 87 Junta Personnel Surrendered, Defected, or Captured in One Week
m.CDM | January 8
During the fourth week of December 2025, a total of 87 junta soldiers, police, and militia members surrendered, defected, or were captured as prisoners of war, according to People’s Goal.
Among them, 18 soldiers defected, including 13 forcibly conscripted new recruits.
A total of 96 prisoners of war were recorded, including 66 junta soldiers, 3 militia members, and 2 newly conscripted soldiers.
From January to December 2025, the total number of surrendered, defected, or captured junta personnel reached 2,578.
8. Setutthara–Laungshay and Setutthara–Ngaphe Roads Closed for One Month
m.CDM | January 8
In Setutthara Township, Mandalay Region, the Setutthara–Laungshay Road and Setutthara–Ngaphe Road will be closed to vehicles and machinery for one month, according to an announcement by the Setutthara Township PDF.
The closures are linked to junta efforts to force participation in sham elections, with reports that ballots and voting machines are being distributed ahead of January 10.