Hello everyone. From this moment on, we will be reading and presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s news includes:
- In Nyaunglebin, joint PDF and KNLA forces rescued more than 300 civilians the military had taken hostage and used as human shields.
- In Mandalay Region, the military council retook Tagaung—the last remaining town in the region that had been under resistance control.
- The military council carried out a jet-fighter airstrike on the eastern part of Htilin Township; two civilians were killed and some homes were burned and damaged.
- Justice For Myanmar urged the Canadian government to take action against four Canadian citizens doing business in the pearl industry with the military regime—along with other related updates.
Now, first:
1) In Nyaunglebin, joint PDF and KNLA forces rescue over 300 civilians held hostage as human shields
m.CDM — March 10
In Nyaunglebin Township, Bago Region, joint PDF and KNLA forces successfully rescued more than 300 civilians who had been seized by the military council as hostages and used as human shields, according to a March 10 statement by the NUG Ministry of Defence.
In recent days, the military council had detained civilians from the villages of Yawtwingone, Khayukone, and Kyaungkone in Nyaunglebin Township. To rescue them, resistance forces reportedly carried out an intensified operation described as a “People Rescue Operation.”
The operation was conducted by PDF units under the command of the Bago Regional Military Command, including Battalion 3702, Spring Warriors Battalion, a Special Commando Battalion, Royal Peacock Battalion, Taw Kyi Kan Battalion, and Battalion 3703, together with KNLA commando units, KNLA Battalions (7) and (9), and drone teams.
During the fighting, at least 10 military-council troops were reportedly killed and at least 20 were seriously wounded. The joint resistance forces also suffered casualties, the statement said.
More than 300 hostages were rescued without injury, and assistance has already been arranged to transport them to safe areas.
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2) Eastern Htilin bombed by military jet; 2 civilians killed, homes burned and damaged
m.CDM — March 10
A village in the eastern part of Htilin Township in the Yaw region of Magway Region was bombed without any ongoing clash, using a jet fighter, according to a statement by Yaw Alintan. Two civilians were killed.
At around 1:32 p.m. on March 10, an A-5 bomber jet that took off from Tada-U Air Base dropped bombs, the statement said.
As a result of the explosions, a 25-year-old man died on the spot with severe head injuries, and a 22-year-old woman also died, according to reports.
In addition, two houses in the village were burned to ashes, and at least three other buildings were damaged.
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3) Southern Yesagyo PDF bans nighttime forest activities for public security and local stability
m.CDM — March 10
Southern Yesagyo PDF issued a warning and announced that nighttime forest-going activities are prohibited in areas where the group is responsible for security, citing public safety and local stability.
In its March 10 statement, the group said it is strictly banning both local residents and hunters who have been carrying out nighttime forest activities in those areas.
A spokesperson, Ko Aung Maung, said such activities have previously led to incidents where innocent civilians were harmed or killed, and that the ban is therefore aimed at prioritizing public security and stability.
The group also said it will work to prevent the destruction of golden deer species and to protect and conserve wildlife.
They added that, under security procedures, orders to fire have been issued if necessary, and urged local people to follow the rules for their own safety.
The statement warned that anyone who carries out forest activities without permission from Southern Yesagyo PDF will face effective enforcement and could receive severe penalties.
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4) Fighting breaks out between the military council and SSPP in Kyaukme; junta patrol ambushed in Monywa
m.CDM — March 10
Fighting occurred between the military council and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) in Kyaukme Township, northern Shan State. Separately, resistance forces reportedly ambushed a military-council patrol in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region.
At a little after 11 a.m. on March 10, around 100 troops from Light Infantry Battalion 115 advanced into an area of the Pone-Wo village tract where an SSPP/SSA camp is located and opened fire, triggering clashes, according to reports.
After more than an hour of fighting, the extent of casualties on both sides was still unknown. SSPP said the military council has been reinforcing troops in the villages of Pone-Wo, Kwan-Hin, Taw-Lay, and Lay-Lway, and that tensions remain high.
In addition, at 4:35 p.m. on March 9, about 20 military-council soldiers who set out on patrol from Ma-U Gate in Monywa Township were ambushed by Brave Heart Army (BHA) and Golden Target Force (GTF), according to reports.
In that attack, one junta soldier was reportedly killed and one was wounded. Resistance forces said they seized an MA-1 rifle and a ballistic helmet.
After the ambush, the military council forces reportedly raided Htan Naung Taw North village at night, firing heavy and small arms and setting houses on fire.
Two civilians—one man and one woman—were reportedly killed by the military’s gunfire. Resistance groups urged the public to remain alert due to the security situation.
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5) Military council retakes Tagaung, the last resistance-held town in Mandalay Region
m.CDM — March 10
According to military sources, the military council fully retook Tagaung town on March 10—the last remaining town in Mandalay Region that had been dominated and controlled by resistance forces.
Since the first week of February, the military council had advanced in large numbers from the area of Thabeikkyin Township, starting from the side of Twin-Nge village.
On March 9, the junta column reportedly seized Ma-kyi-gone village and Sin-nyat-gone village, about two miles from Tagaung, and continued its offensive, forcing resistance forces to retreat from the town.
To regain Tagaung, the military council reportedly conducted combined operations using ground forces along with advanced-technology drones for bombing, artillery shelling, and airstrikes.
Early in the morning on March 10, the junta forces entered Tagaung in large numbers and captured the entire town, according to reports.
Tagaung had previously been seized by joint PDF forces on August 12, 2024, and was lost again after about one year and seven months. Because Tagaung was the last town in Mandalay Region under resistance control, it is now believed the military council has reasserted control over the entire Mandalay Region.
Local residents in Tagaung and surrounding villages are reportedly fleeing to safer areas due to the military situation.
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6) France backs ASEAN efforts on Myanmar and refers to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint by their original official titles
m.CDM — March 10
France expressed support for ASEAN’s efforts to resolve Myanmar’s political crisis and referred to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint by their original official titles.
At a closed-door UN Security Council meeting on Myanmar held in New York on March 6, France’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Mr. Jay Dharmadhikari, formally referred to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as the State Counsellor and to U Win Myint as the President.
Observers said this was a public signal that France does not recognize the military’s seizure of power and instead firmly stands with the 2020 election results and the will of the people.
The French representative reportedly described the coup as a brutal act, said the military’s election plans were merely a facade and did not meet any international standard, and called strongly for the immediate release of the detained leaders.
He also pointed out that the military’s bombing of civilians, schools, and hospitals over the five years since the coup constitutes blatant violations of international law.
France called for an immediate halt to violence and airstrikes; the release of all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint; the start of inclusive political dialogue; and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
France said it supports ASEAN’s efforts and urged the UN Security Council to work together with ASEAN to achieve lasting peace in Myanmar.
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7) NUG Prime Minister warns resistance forces to stay united amid possible “sham” peace invitations by the military
m.CDM — March 10
NUG Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than warned that the military may again use its usual tactics—issuing invitations for “peace” talks or dialogue as a pretext—and urged resistance forces to maintain unity along the revolution’s objectives and correct path.
He made the remarks during the 11th session of the Yangon Federal Unit Hluttaw held on March 9, and also recognized the parliament’s work.
He said that although the military has maintained control through force over five years since the coup, it has gained no legitimacy from either the international community or the public.
He added that starting in December 2025 the military attempted to stage a sham election in phases in order to deceive ASEAN and the international community.
He said that because the military may again use “peace talks” as a pretext to divert the movement, this is the time for revolutionary forces to demonstrate unity and avoid drifting away from the revolution’s goals and correct direction.
He also said the NUG continues ongoing discussions to build political understanding among revolutionary leadership groups, aiming to uproot dictatorship and establish a federal democratic union.
Regarding the release of some prisoners on the full moon day of Tabaung (March 2), he said he welcomed those freed, but reaffirmed efforts to secure the release of all remaining political prisoners including President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
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😎 Justice For Myanmar urges Canada to take action against 4 Canadians doing pearl business with the junta
m.CDM — March 10
Justice For Myanmar filed a complaint urging the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to investigate and take action against four Canadian citizens who allegedly continue doing business with Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (MPE), a Myanmar pearl production and trading business under junta control that Canada has sanctioned.
Those named are Pierre Hajjar, Marie Rose Jarmakli Hajjar, Sarkis Hajjar, and Michael Pierre Hajjar—family members who own the Belpearl network, according to reports.
Their company, Belpearl Myanmar, is reportedly operating pearl farming at Shwe Kyun (Russel Island) in Tanintharyi Region under a production-sharing agreement with the sanctioned MPE.
Justice For Myanmar said that by sharing pearl output with the military, the business provides income enabling continued war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The group said company records show the Hajjar family remained involved as directors until January 2026, despite Canada’s 2021 sanctions on MPE.
Citing Canada’s Myanmar sanctions law, the group said Canadians are prohibited from actions that cause, facilitate, or assist prohibited activities—including financial transfers and transactions related to assets controlled by MPE.
Justice For Myanmar argued the family may have violated the law and may have intentionally disregarded the consequences of sanctions.
The group also alleged that during 2024 and 2025 the family transferred assets to French and Australian partners to evade Canadian sanctions, exploiting legal gaps in places that have not sanctioned MPE—such as the EU and Australia—while calling for coordinated sanctions among the EU, Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada.
Justice For Myanmar said Canadian authorities should conduct a precise investigation and take action because the conduct shows contempt for Canadian law and supports junta revenue.
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9) OCHA says it is focusing assistance on 2.6 million people with the highest needs in Myanmar
m.CDM — March 10
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it is focusing on assisting 2.6 million people in Myanmar with the highest levels of need.
In its March 9 statement, OCHA said the humanitarian situation is worsening due to ongoing conflict, increasing humanitarian needs, and violations of international humanitarian law, including airstrikes, which have caused displacement, injuries, and deaths among civilians.
OCHA said recurring natural disasters, continued economic decline, and conflict have made conditions worse each year.
Despite travel restrictions, security risks, funding shortfalls, and operational disruptions, humanitarian organizations continue providing aid to millions.
OCHA said that in 2025 they were able to provide assistance only once to 6.3 million people, meaning needs remain unmet.
It also noted that during an earthquake emergency response, about 1.7 million people were assisted, and temporary authorizations at the time helped reach the hardest-hit areas more quickly.
OCHA said insufficient funding has forced extremely difficult decisions, while high commodity prices, movement restrictions, and service disruptions have created major obstacles.
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10) Thai police arrest a Myanmar national accused of threatening and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old Thai girl in Chiang Mai
m.CDM — March 10
In Chiang Mai, Thailand, Thai police arrested a Myanmar national within hours after he allegedly entered a home, threatened a 14-year-old Thai girl with a knife, and sexually assaulted her.
The incident reportedly occurred around 6 p.m. on March 9 at a house in the Chang Khlan Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, when the girl was home alone while her mother was out. The suspect, a 33-year-old Myanmar national identified as Mr. Yusuf, allegedly broke into the home.
He allegedly grabbed a knife from inside the house and threatened the girl’s life while committing the assault.
Based on the victim’s report, police reviewed CCTV footage and identified a suspect wearing the same clothing described in the complaint.
Police then searched nearby and found Yusuf hiding in the grass near an abandoned house, arresting him around 9 p.m.
He allegedly resisted arrest, causing a scuffle during which he sustained an injury near his right eye. Police also seized the knife allegedly used in the crime.
He reportedly stated he was a manual laborer and had been obsessively infatuated with the girl for some time; after being rejected, he hid in a nearby abandoned house to watch her movements and then committed the crime, according to reports.
Thai police have charged him with armed threats, rape, unlawful trespass, and stalking/monitoring with improper intent, and he is being held in custody.
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11) Iran war prompts Asian countries to step up short- and long-term energy security preparations
m.CDM — March 10
After several weeks of joint attacks by the United States and Israel, the Iran-related conflict reportedly led to a halt in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting an estimated roughly 20% of global oil and natural gas supply.
As a result, Brent crude reportedly rose above USD 100 per barrel, increasing energy-security risks for Asian countries.
Because many Asian countries rely heavily on oil and gas imports from the Middle East, analysts say the tensions are already having direct impacts, and that if the conflict drags on it could place major pressure on Asia’s broader economy.
Advanced industrial countries such as Japan and South Korea have prepared to withstand disruptions for 60 to 90 days by using strategic petroleum reserves, and some countries are reportedly already drawing from those reserves.
Thailand, India, the Philippines, and others are said to be adopting emergency measures such as reducing fuel taxes, providing subsidies, imposing price caps, and rationing if fuel prices rise too sharply.
Countries are also reportedly factoring in higher shipping and insurance costs and increasing purchases from alternative sources such as Russia.
To reduce exposure to prolonged instability, some countries are accelerating renewable energy buildout (solar and wind), expanding LNG storage and distribution systems, diversifying oil procurement markets, and strengthening foreign-currency reserves.
Rising oil prices can push up transportation and food prices, raise inflationary pressure, make interest-rate control more difficult, and slow economic growth.
For exporters like Malaysia and Brunei, revenue could increase, but domestic price inflation is also a risk; if the crisis persists, it could still harm Asia’s overall economy.
Myanmar imports around 90% of its fuel and already faces internal conflict, damaged supply chains, a weak currency, and difficulty obtaining U.S. dollars. A surge in global oil prices could hit Myanmar even harder.
In major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, long queues of cars and motorbikes have formed at fuel stations, and the military council began restricting vehicle usage based on license plate numbers starting March 7.
In some areas, fuel shortages or extremely high prices are occurring, and farmers and lower-income communities are said to be especially affected.
However, analysts say that after years of hardship, some communities have developed resilience through local economic systems; even though Myanmar may be more vulnerable than other Asian countries if the war drags on, some capacity to endure has been observed.
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These news items were submitted by Ko Thit, Lu Lay, and Khershel.