Mingalabar. From now on, we will be presenting m.CDM’s domestic news updates.
Today’s main headlines are:
1. 18 civilians, including children, killed as junta forces carry out jet fighter bombings in Ponnagyun and Kseido townships.
2. 9 civilians, including children, killed in airstrikes and artillery attacks by junta forces in Kyauktaga, Myinmu, and Hpakant townships.
3. SAC-M urges the Philippines, as a demonstration of respect for the rule of law, to cooperate with the ICC and lead efforts to arrest and transfer junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.
4. Human trafficking increases as young Myanmar women are being purchased at high prices by Chinese buyers under the false belief that they possess “medicinal value.”
In addition to these, we will also present other related news.
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1. 18 Civilians, Including Children, Killed in Junta Jet Bombings in Ponnagyun and Kseido
m.CDM – February 24
In Rakhine State’s Ponnagyun Township and KNU-controlled Kseido Township, junta forces reportedly carried out airstrikes using jet fighters, killing 18 civilians, including children.
At around 2:00 p.m. on February 24, junta forces dropped two 500-pound bombs on the market area of Yoe Ngu village in Ponnagyun Township, according to a statement released by the Arakan Army (AA).
As a result of the explosions, 17 civilians who were buying and selling at the market were killed, and 14 others were injured.
Market stalls and residential homes were destroyed by fire, and local residents are reportedly fleeing in panic to safer areas.
Similarly, on the afternoon of February 23, junta forces dropped a 500-pound bomb from a jet fighter on Sone Sin Phyar village in Kseido Township, Myeik-Dawei District under KNU control.
In that attack, one civilian was killed, another injured, and four civilian homes were damaged.
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2. 9 Civilians, Including Children, Killed in Air and Artillery Attacks in Kyauktaga, Myinmu, and Hpakant
m.CDM – February 24
Villages in Sagaing Region, Bago Region, and Kachin State were attacked by junta forces using aircraft, drones, and heavy artillery, resulting in the deaths of 9 civilians, including children, according to local sources.
At around 7:00 p.m. on February 23, in Shwe Kyaung Kan village, Myinmu Township (Sagaing Region), the military reportedly bombed an internet café and an oil mill using two motorized paragliders.
Two children were among the nine civilians killed in the attack, and five others sustained serious injuries.
In Kyauktaga Township (Bago Region), drones dropped bombs on February 24, destroying three homes in Thamin Inn Kone village.
On February 23, artillery fire from the Natsankwin-based junta forces struck Kanyin Kyo village, injuring three women.
In Hpakant Township (Kachin State), at around 1:00 a.m. on February 24, junta forces dropped two bombs from jet fighters. One bomb exploded in the Maw Maung Bwam village tract, damaging at least five homes.
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3. Five Junta Soldiers Killed, Two Resistance Fighters Fallen in Battles in Thanbyuzayat and Ye
m.CDM – February 24
In Mon State’s Thanbyuzayat and Ye townships, resistance alliance forces attacked junta bases and columns, killing five junta soldiers, according to a statement by the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF).
On February 21, the police station in Anin village, Thanbyuzayat Township, was bombed by drone strikes. On February 22, another bombing targeted a junta column entering Nyi Ka Yin village in Ye Township.
On the morning of February 23, resistance forces carried out a guerrilla attack on a 150-strong junta column near Aung Thar Pyay village.
In the fighting, five junta soldiers were killed. Two MSRF resistance fighters sacrificed their lives.
The operation involved cooperation among MSRF, Ye PDF (YPDF), PDF Battalion 33 (Dona Column), Ye Guerrilla Force (YGF), KNLA Battalion 27 (Company 1), and the Taphin Shwe Htee force.
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4. Three New Battalions Approved Under PDF Special Military Division; Over 20 Fighters from Shwebo District Battalion (15) Resign and Surrender Weapons
m.CDM – February 24
The People’s Defense Force (PDF) Special Military Division has officially approved the formation of three new battalions in accordance with standing orders.
The newly approved battalions are:
• Battalion No. 8002 – Kanbauk Defence Force
• Battalion No. 8003
• Battalion No. 9925 – Rangoon Warriors PDF
Meanwhile, in Sagaing Region’s Shwebo District, more than 20 members of Battalion (15), Company (3), resigned and returned their weapons on February 22, including 10 firearms.
They reportedly resigned due to logistical difficulties and disagreements with their battalion commander. Although they have stepped down from active PDF duties, they stated they will continue supporting the resistance as civilian supporters.
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5. Saw PDF Urges Public to Help Expose Informants
m.CDM – February 24
The Saw Township People’s Defense Organization (Magway Region) has urged the public to help identify individuals allegedly providing information to the military.
They stated that informants have caused significant civilian casualties and destruction of public property. Residents are encouraged to report suspected informants to nearby defense or resistance groups. The group warned that proven informants would face serious punishment.
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6. At Least Four Soldiers Killed in Attack on Military Column in Chauk Township
Resistance forces attacked a 200-strong junta column operating in villages of Chauk Township (Magway Region). At least four soldiers were killed, and many others were injured.
The joint attack involved rocket launchers, drones, small arms, and landmines. During the three-day operation, junta forces also reportedly burned civilian homes and a monastery.
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7. Two Soldiers Killed, Three Vehicles Destroyed in Attack on Military Convoy on Monywa–Mandalay Road
Resistance forces attacked military vehicles escorting copper transport trucks along the Monywa–Mandalay road on February 22.
Two soldiers were reportedly killed, and three vehicles—one armored vehicle and two copper trucks—were disabled. Reinforcements later arrived from Monywa.
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8. Salin PDF Medical Team Assists in Delivering Over 20 Babies
The Salin PDF medical unit (Magway Region) successfully delivered another baby on February 23, bringing the total number of assisted births to over 20.
Despite difficult conditions, the team continues providing medical care to civilians and internally displaced persons. Donations are being requested to support medical expenses and aid for displaced communities.
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9. SAC-M Urges Philippines to Lead ICC Cooperation Against Min Aung Hlaing
The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) has called on the Philippines, currently ASEAN Chair, to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law by cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest and transfer junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.
SAC-M highlighted growing international legal pressure, including arrest warrants issued by an Argentine court against 25 Myanmar officials and ongoing ICC and ICJ proceedings related to alleged war crimes and genocide.
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10. Human Trafficking Increases as Young Myanmar Women Sold to China Under False “Medicinal” Belief
Chinese buyers are reportedly paying high prices—between 30,000 and 60,000 yuan—for Myanmar women under 23 years old, driven by false beliefs that they possess medicinal value.
Brokers allegedly send videos and photos of women to buyers before transporting them illegally through Muse into China. Many victims reportedly end up in exploitative conditions, including massage parlors in Ruili.
Since the military coup, worsening economic hardship and conflict have contributed to rising human trafficking cases.
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Today’s news reports were contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.