Hello/Mingalaba. From now on, we will be reading and presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s news includes:
- In Saw Township, a CDM health worker was arrested and beaten by members of the PaKaFa, and no action has been taken even after more than a week.
- Three Yangon University organizations say the convocation hall where Min Aung Hlaing accepted a degree is now “reeking of blood.”
- Airstrikes by the junta in Mone, Saw, and Myaing towns killed eight locals, including two schoolgirls.
4. NUG Deputy Minister U Maw Htun Aung met and held discussions with a delegation of members of the French National Assembly—along with other related news.
1) In Saw Township, no action taken for over a week after PaKaFa members arrested and beat a CDM health worker
m.CDM — February 6
According to Yaw Alin Tan, in Saw Township of the Yaw region in Magway Region, a CDM health worker was seized inside a clinic by Saw Township PaKaFa members, handcuffed, and beaten—yet no accountability measures have been taken even after more than a week.
The report says that on January 30, after 11 p.m., a PaKaFa group of around nine members—allegedly led by men identified as U Htan Maung and U Ye Ko—suddenly raided the clinic of CDM health worker (Supervisor-2) Ko Min Ko Aung in Taungpoke Gyi village.
They reportedly handcuffed Ko Min Ko Aung, held a knife to his throat, and assaulted him. As a result, he sustained facial swelling and injuries, and also suffered a cut wound to the neck.
Family members were also allegedly threatened: firearms were cocked and pointed at them, and they were shouted at and ordered to remain still.
Ko Min Ko Aung reportedly sent a formal complaint letter on February 4 to Saw Township PaApha and PaKaFa bodies. However, even after more than a week since the incident, no action has been taken.
It was also reported that, instead of taking action, they threatened the victim’s family, saying that if the case spreads in the media, “this issue will become bigger.”
2) Junta airstrikes in Mone, Saw, and Myaing kill eight locals, including two schoolgirls
m.CDM — February 6
The KNU announced that in Mone Township, Taungoo District, Bago Region—inside an area under KNU control—junta air attacks killed three civilians and injured one.
On February 4 at around 10:30 a.m., two bombs were dropped on Saw Khee village, killing a 9-year-old child named Saw Ka Lei Mu Thaw. Around 11 a.m., a drone bomb dropped by Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 439 on Khin Gyi village killed U Maung Myo (58), according to the report.
Later, around 3:55 p.m., LIB 60 dropped one bomb by drone on Ngethwe Sote village and fired six rounds of 120mm artillery. A 14-year-old named Saw Tar Nay Thar was reportedly injured.
It also said that on February 2, LIB 439 had previously dropped a drone bomb inside Khin Gyi village, killing Daw Htwe Yi Than (55).
In Magway Region, Saw Township, in the Kyaukhtu area, the junta reportedly used a jet fighter to bomb Mi Ae village at around 4:50 p.m. on February 5. Five women were killed and two people were injured.
Among the dead were two underage schoolgirls, one woman over 70, and two women estimated to be in their 40s and 50s. Around 40 houses were affected, and five were completely destroyed, the report said.
In addition, in Myaing Township’s Ywa Thit Gyi village, a jet fighter bombing attack reportedly injured three women, with one in critical condition.
3) Fighting reported in Kachin, Sagaing, and northern Shan; junta conducts repeated airstrikes after AA reaches near KaPaSa (16)
m.CDM — February 6
Fighting between junta forces and resistance forces was reported in Waingmaw, Hpakant, and Bhamo in Kachin State; Kawlin in Sagaing Region; and Mogok/Momeik area (Momeik) in northern Shan State.
In Waingmaw Township, two remaining outposts of LIB 58 were reportedly seized. Although there was no ground fighting on February 5, tensions remain high, said KIA spokesperson Lt. Col. Naw Bu.
In the Hpakant area, clashes that began on January 30 were reportedly still ongoing. Fighting also continued near Bhamo, and resistance forces reportedly cleared some junta-held positions.
Similarly, in Kawlin Township’s eastern side near Kyauk Tan village, residents said heavy fighting began around 4 a.m. on February 6.
The junta is reportedly trying to establish positions in Kyauk Tan village and Thit Phut La Taung, and because troops are stationed there, resistance forces have been surrounding and attacking them, leading to frequent clashes.
In northern Shan’s Momeik, a building used by junta forces to store weapons and ammunition in Shwe Za Li village was reportedly destroyed by a drone strike carried out by joint PDF forces. Locals said the attack happened on the night of February 3 and that junta troops stationed there may have suffered casualties.
Likewise, near the Defense Industries factory KaPaSa (16) in Padaung Township, Bago Region, fighting has reportedly intensified after the AA and allied forces launched an offensive into the area, prompting the junta to carry out continuous airstrikes.
After AA and allied forces reportedly captured “666 Point Hill,” located at the main entrance of KaPaSa (16), the junta has been trying to counterattack. Because it has been taking heavy losses on the ground, it is said to be relying primarily on air support.
4) Lone fighter attacks junta checkpoint in Zeyawadi; one senior NCO killed and two rifles seized
m.CDM — February 6
Ayeyarwady Battalion No. (3) announced that a resistance fighter carried out a surprise solo attack on a junta checkpoint in Zeyawadi town, Bago Region, killing a senior sergeant at the checkpoint and seizing two firearms and some ammunition.
The checkpoint—near the Zeyawadi sugar mill—was reportedly forcing locals into porter duty and extorting money. The statement said that around 4:30 p.m. on February 5, a разведка (intelligence) member from Ayeyarwady Battalion No. (3) (Hinthada District Battalion No. 2) attacked the checkpoint with a 9mm pistol.
The statement said one junta senior sergeant was killed, and the attackers seized one MA3 rifle, one MA11 rifle, two magazines, and 40 rounds of ammunition. The resistance fighter reportedly withdrew safely without injury.
5) Over 5,000 people displaced in Pauk Township due to junta column and jet fighter attacks
m.CDM — February 6
A local humanitarian department in Pauk Township, Magway Region, said that nearly 5,000 residents from six villages have fled due to a junta column operating from Defense Industries Factory No. 24 and attacks involving jet fighters.
The report said a column of about 200 troops from KaPaSa-24 arrived in Thit Cho Kone Pyu Saw Htee village on February 4 and began conducting operations into nearby villages from there.
Because the junta has been firing from jet fighters and also shelling indiscriminately with heavy weapons from KaPaSa-24, around 1,100 households—nearly 5,000 people—from six villages are reportedly displaced.
Resistance forces in Pauk speculate the column may be trying to obtain supplies from Pyu Saw Htee villages in southern Pauk.
Displaced people urgently need food, medicine, and shelter. Aid workers say skin diseases are spreading among long-term displaced communities and medicines are running out.
In neighboring Myaing Township as well, the junta reportedly launched a column operation on February 1 and seized more than 400 sacks of rice and sacks of beans stored by locals, increasing urgent needs for food and medicine among displaced people.
(Photo caption: Residents from the Pauk area seen fleeing their homes due to a junta troop column.)
6) NUG Deputy Minister U Maw Htun Aung meets French National Assembly delegation
m.CDM — February 6
The NUG’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy said Deputy Union Minister U Maw Htun Aung met with Mr. Alain David—Chair of the France–Myanmar Friendship Group and a member of the French National Assembly—along with a National Assembly delegation.
The meeting was held at the French National Assembly on February 4. Also attending was Nan Su Mon Aung, the Foreign Ministry’s representative to France. They reportedly briefed participants on the progress of Myanmar’s revolution, the NUG’s ongoing work, and the crucial role being played by the Myanmar public.
A press briefing was also held at the French National Assembly from 4 to 5 p.m., attended by the deputy minister, French MPs, French journalists, French organizations, and Myanmar people living in France.
7) Three Yangon University groups: the convocation hall where Min Aung Hlaing received a degree is now “filled with the stench of blood”
m.CDM — February 6
Three Yangon University organizations issued a statement dated February 5, saying that the convocation hall where Min Aung Hlaing accepted a degree is now “reeking of blood,” after schools were bombed and students’ blood was spilled.
The joint statement—by the Yangon University Interim University Council, the Yangon University Teachers’ Association, and the Yangon University Students’ Union (ABFSU)—condemned the holding of a special convocation and the awarding of an honorary doctorate certificate to the junta leader.
They said Min Aung Hlaing, described as a war-crimes perpetrator, has “students’ blood on his body,” and that the gown he wore and the certificate he handled are devoid of dignity, while the hall itself is now tainted with the “smell of blood.”
They also strongly denounced the Yangon University administration under the junta for holding the special convocation and using a degree as a bribe-like offering to curry favor with the military.
The statement added that dressing “a hell-hound” in academic regalia to preserve positions and power exposes the true face of “slave education.” They urged that as long as such a system exists, such repugnant incidents will continue, and called for the eradication of military dictatorship at its roots.
😎 Shan civil society groups condemn MNDAA’s arbitrary arrests and forced land seizures in Lashio
m.CDM — February 6
Eleven Shan civil society organizations issued a joint statement strongly condemning MNDAA for arresting 36 local residents of Mansel village, Nampawng tract, Lashio Township, northern Shan State under armed pressure, and for forcibly seizing ancestral farmlands to conduct gold mining without community consent.
The statement was jointly released on February 6 by: Dai Youth Congress; SL&CC Universities of Yangon; Tai Students’ Union; Tai National Community; Tai Youth Network; Tai Youth Organization; Tai Youth Network Japan; Global Shan Network; Shan American Community; Hsai Leng Mai; and Shan State Farmers Network.
They said locals held a peaceful protest in the village on February 1 because MNDAA seized farmlands by force and carried out gold mining operations without consent. During the protest, MNDAA members reportedly arrived, fired gunshots, and arrested 36 residents.
They said MNDAA is still holding nine of those detainees—including Sai Pan Sein, Sai Sam, Sai Lu, Sai Nyunt, Sai Than, Sai San Mya, Sai Pwint, Sai Maung Yaung, and Sai Htun Kyaw—and that they are being beaten and tortured, raising fears for their lives.
They demanded the immediate release of the nine detainees; an immediate halt to all forced land seizures and gold mining operations carried out against local wishes; an end to armed violence against civilians; and accountability and remedies for those harmed.
They also urged the SSPP/SSA to fully protect Shan civilians and help coordinate and manage relations among armed groups operating in the area.
9) KNDF issues emergency warning: do not use the Phru So–Hta Le–Nan Phe–Bawlakhe main road and all connecting routes
m.CDM — February 6
The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) issued an emergency warning urging the public to completely avoid the Demoso–Phru So–Hta Le–Nan Phe–Bawlakhe main road and all feeder roads connected to it, due to junta troop movements in Karenni State.
The statement said some junta columns began moving along the Phru So–Hta Le road and toward Nan Phe village starting February 5, and clashes with resistance forces are occurring.
Because fighting areas are close to routes used by civilians, KNDF requested that locals prioritize safety and not use the roads listed. The road closure took effect on February 6 and is indefinite due to ground conditions.
10) U.S. government extends the national emergency regarding Myanmar by one year
m.CDM — February 6
The U.S. government announced it has extended by one year the national emergency it declared regarding Myanmar.
President Trump signed the extension on February 3, stating that conditions in Myanmar continue to constitute a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
After Myanmar’s coup, on February 10, 2021, the U.S. president issued Executive Order 14014 and declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), based on the assessment that the situation in Myanmar posed such a threat.
The notice said that the situation in Myanmar remains dangerous for the United States. It added that the U.S. administration is closely monitoring developments, working with relevant groups—including regional partners—to reduce violence and promote dialogue among parties to the conflict toward greater political stability.
President Trump also stated that if needed, the United States would appropriately adjust and apply pressure to protect U.S. interests.
Analysts of Myanmar affairs interpret the move as signaling U.S. readiness to use a mix of pressure and engagement to protect American interests related to Myanmar.
With this one-year extension, the national emergency first declared on February 10, 2021 will remain in effect for one more year beyond February 10 of this year. The notice will be published in the Federal Register and sent to the U.S. Congress.
These news items were contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.