Hello,
Starting now, we will present m.CDM’s domestic news updates.
Today’s main headlines are:
- Military Council forces carried out airstrikes in Homalin, Momauk, and Wetlet townships, killing 7 civilians and injuring a child.
- Tedim (Tunzan) Township Council announced that families of those unwilling to serve in the military will face expulsion.
- Justice For Myanmar called for sanctions against the military junta’s aviation fuel supply chain.
- The fourth round of university admissions processes has resumed.
We will also cover other related news.
⸻ - Airstrikes in Homalin, Momauk, and Wetlet Kill 7 Civilians, Injure a Child
m.CDM, February 23
In Homalin and Wetlet townships in Sagaing Region, and Momauk Township in Kachin State, Military Council forces carried out aerial bombings, killing seven civilians and injuring six others, including one child, according to local sources.
On February 22 at around 3:00 PM, two gyrocopters deployed from the Northwestern Regional Military Command (NaMaKha), based in Monywa, bombed a gold mining site in Pae Nout Sote village, Homalin Township.
As a result of the attack, seven civilians, including a woman, were killed instantly at the mining site, and five others were injured.
This marks the first reported use of gyrocopters for bombing in the Homalin and Phaungpyin areas, prompting warnings for residents to remain alert to aerial threats.
On February 23, Military Council forces also carried out two airstrikes on Myothit village in Momauk Township. A seventh-grade student who was playing near a gold panning site was injured by shrapnel.
Similarly, in eastern Wetlet Township, a Military Council column conducted two drone bombing attacks on Section No. 3 of a district connecting road at around 10:00 AM on February 23.
Revolutionary forces had closed the road for security reasons over the past three days, and no civilian casualties were reported.
⸻ - Around 70 Checkpoints Closed in Shwebo District
m.CDM, February 23
The Shwebo District Command in Sagaing Region announced that approximately 70 checkpoints set up by various defense groups for different reasons have been shut down. Necessary checkpoints have been consolidated and reopened in coordination.
Inspections found up to 75 checkpoints—including tax gates, road maintenance gates, and municipal gates—operating without proper authorization.
Due to irregular fee collection and lack of systematic inspections, complaints had arisen from local residents, business owners, travelers, and revolutionary organizations regarding delays and inconvenience.
All such checkpoints were ordered closed by February 17. Any military-related inspections must now be conducted only with official permission from the district command.
Authorities also coordinated with public administration, public security, and municipal committees to close unnecessary gates and systematize essential ones.
The public was urged to responsibly pay designated taxes and comply with regulations during the ongoing revolution to eradicate the military dictatorship.
⸻ - Two Newly Recruited Soldiers Defect with Weapons in Mawlaik and Taungoo
m.CDM, February 23
Two individuals forcibly conscripted into the Military Council’s forces defected with weapons in Mawlaik Township (Sagaing Region) and Taungoo Township (Bago Region).
On February 22, a conscript from a Pyu Saw Htee militia camp in Swut Nan village, Mawlaik Township, defected to local revolutionary forces, bringing an MA-1 rifle. He had reportedly been forcibly recruited in Yangon while working as a driver.
The Mawlaik revolutionary forces awarded him a cash reward of 5 million kyats (500 lakh kyats equivalent to 50 million MMK? actually သိန်း 50 = 5 million MMK) and are assisting him in reuniting with his family.
Similarly, on February 23, a newly recruited soldier from Advanced Communications Battalion (Unit 13) based in Taungoo defected to the Nat Sithar revolutionary group. He is currently under protection and undergoing necessary screening procedures.
⸻ - Three Civilians Killed in Hpakant and Near Laiza (Mai Ja Yang Area)
m.CDM, February 23
In Hpakant Township and near Mai Ja Yang in Kachin State, three civilians—including an elderly man—were killed due to attacks by Military Council forces.
In Yuma village, Hpakant Township, soldiers reportedly shot and killed two civilians early in the morning without any active fighting. Their bodies were later retrieved by a local funeral assistance organization.
In Bum Ka Htawng village near Mai Ja Yang, an airstrike carried out at around 11:30 PM on February 22 killed a 78-year-old man. KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu confirmed that a jet fighter conducted the bombing despite no active clashes in the area.
Revolutionary organizations have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow air defense precautions amid escalating aerial attacks.
⸻ - Five Soldiers Killed, Four Injured in Landmine Attack on Myingyan–Nyaung-U Road
m.CDM, February 23
Five soldiers were killed and four injured in a landmine attack on Military Council troops patrolling the Myingyan–Nyaung-U road in Mandalay Region, according to the Brethren Guerrilla Force.
On February 18, troops from Letpan Khet Poe camp were clearing mines planted by resistance forces when explosives were detonated as soldiers dismounted their vehicles.
The operation was jointly carried out by Taungtha Township People’s Defense Force (Brethren Guerrilla Force) and Battalion No. 5 of Nyaung-U District.
⸻ - Tunzan Township Council Announces Expulsion for Families Refusing Military Service
m.CDM, February 23
The Tunzan Township Council in Chin State announced that youths aged 16–35 (male) and 16–25 (female) are prohibited from leaving the township to facilitate recruitment for CDF-Tunzan and allied forces.
Families of individuals refusing military service will face expulsion from the township under Chin Defense Ministry regulations.
The order applies to both residents and people arriving from outside the township.
⸻ - Warning Against Public Gatherings in Pauk Township
m.CDM, February 23, 2026
The Pauk Township People’s Administration Team warned residents to avoid public gatherings due to security concerns amid ongoing airstrikes and heavy artillery attacks nationwide.
Unnecessary events and gatherings are to be temporarily suspended. If gatherings are unavoidable, organizers must notify authorities in advance and follow security instructions.
⸻ - Fourth Round of University Admissions Resumes
m.CDM, February 23
The National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Education announced the resumption of the fourth round of university admissions.
To prevent disadvantages for students, the application deadline has been extended from March 2 to March 5 at 11:59 PM (Myanmar time).
The process had been temporarily suspended due to dissatisfaction over the investigation outcome into corruption allegations involving Permanent Secretary Daw Kyi Pyar and her husband U Nyi Nyi Min. After public reporting and clarifications issued on February 21, the admissions process resumed on the evening of February 22.
⸻ - Justice For Myanmar Calls for Sanctions on Aviation Fuel Supply Chain
m.CDM, February 23
Justice For Myanmar (JFM) urged international governments to sanction ships and companies involved in supplying aviation fuel to the Myanmar military.
According to Myanmar Ports Authority data, aviation fuel imports nearly doubled from over 60,000 metric tons in 2024 to over 100,000 metric tons in 2025.
Evidence from Amnesty International and Reuters indicates that fuel shipments were facilitated by vessels linked to Iranian “shadow fleets.”
JFM called for sanctions on vessels including BARAAWE 1, LS MERCURY, REEF, and NOBLE, as well as their owning companies based in the Marshall Islands, UAE, and Vietnam.
Currently, only Canada has effectively banned aviation fuel exports and transportation to Myanmar. JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung urged coordinated international action to end what she described as “this blood-stained trade.”
⸻ - NUG Ministry of Human Rights Clarifies Financial Management and CDM Support
m.CDM, February 23
The NUG Ministry of Human Rights addressed circulating social media claims regarding its financial management.
The ministry stated that it has followed established financial policies since its formation and received positive audit remarks from the Union Auditor General’s Office for fiscal years 2020–2022.
Although it does not receive direct international funding, it has accepted funds from partner civil society organizations and submits regular expenditure reports for auditing.
Approximately 60% of its staff are CDM employees, who receive stipends and support allowances. The ministry also distributed a total of 100 million kyats (1,000 lakh kyats) in monthly support payments to CDM staff under the Prime Minister’s Office between October 2022 and July 2024.
It further stated that it is monitoring and providing recommendations regarding the ongoing investigation into allegations against Daw Kyi Pyar and U Nyi Nyi Min.
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Today’s news was contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.