Hello,
Starting now, we will present the latest domestic news from m.CDM.
Today’s news includes:
- A military council column that launched an offensive into AA-controlled territory in Kyaukphyu collapsed, and one of its bases was also captured.
- In Ledo, a military column shot and killed a 2-year-old child; in Hpapun, two civilians were killed by an airstrike; in Hpakant, two men were killed by landmines.
- The military council issued a new passport law targeting CDM participants and political activists.
- Justice For Myanmar criticized the junta’s fake parliament and name changes as merely attempts to deceive the international community.
We will also present other related news.
⸻ - Military column collapses in Kyaukphyu; base captured
According to Narinjara News, a military council column that launched an offensive into AA-controlled territory in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, suffered heavy losses, collapsed, and lost one of its foothold bases.
On the afternoon of March 16, a column of around 70 troops attempted to advance between Minpyin and Thein Chaung into AA-controlled areas.
AA forces had already taken positions and launched a preemptive attack, causing heavy casualties. The military column collapsed and retreated.
Some soldiers were captured alive, and during clearance operations against fleeing troops, AA forces also seized a nearby hill base.
The defeated column reportedly consisted of remnants from Battalion 11 and troops from Tactical Operations Command 5 based in Taungup.
Due to unfamiliarity with the terrain, they were defeated in their first engagement and forced to retreat in disarray.
⸻ - Civilian casualties: child killed, airstrikes, landmines
In Ledo (Kyaukkyi Township), Bago Region, within KNU-controlled territory, a military column shot three civilians, killing a 2-year-old child, according to the KNU.
On the morning of March 17, troops entered villages including Zarapkin, Nanzale, and Thaephyoo.
They opened fire on a fleeing family of three. A 32-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were injured, while their 2-year-old son died on the spot.
Due to the military presence, 1,743 people from eight villages have fled.
In Mutraw (Hpapun District), Karen State, a military airstrike killed two civilians and injured 13 others around 3 PM on March 18.
A previous airstrike on March 11 damaged workplaces worth nearly 60 million kyats.
In Hpakant, Kachin State, two landmine incidents on March 16 killed two jade miners.
According to Landmine Monitor, Myanmar now has the highest number of landmine casualties in the world, with 86% being civilians.
⸻ - Clash in Madaya Township
In Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, a clash resulted in two junta soldiers killed and seven seriously injured, according to the local People’s Defense Force.
The clash occurred on March 17 when troops advanced onto an island west of the river from Sein Pan Kone village.
The injured soldiers were reportedly sent to Mandalay Hospital.
Local resistance forces continue operations to control territory and block military advances.
⸻ - Fighting in Min Kin; defection in Ledo
In Min Kin Township, Sagaing Region, clashes between the Student Revolutionary Force (SRF) and Pyu Saw Htee militia resulted in one militia member being captured alive.
Later clashes injured at least four militia members due to mines planted by SRF.
In Ledo, a 27-year-old soldier forcibly conscripted into Batch (1) defected to KNLA Battalion 9 on March 16.
The KNU urged others forcibly conscripted to defect to nearby resistance forces.
⸻ - Thunderbird PDF renamed
The Thunderbird Local Defense Force based in Mandalay has been renamed as the Aung Myay Tharzan People’s Defense Force (PaKaPha) as of March 15.
The group remains under the command of the NUG Ministry of Defense (Mandalay District).
They stated they will continue serving under NUG guidance and requested continued public support.
⸻ - Magway Federal Unit training graduation
The Magway Federal Unit interim government successfully held the graduation ceremony of its Unit Force Batch (1) on March 10.
Over 100 trainees from several townships attended a two-month training program covering discipline, weapons handling, and combat.
Officials and allied forces also provided political and military education during the training.
⸻ - Chinland Council announces police chief vacancy
The Chinland government announced applications are open for the position of Police Brigadier General.
Applicants must have at least 7 years of experience, relevant training, and loyalty to the Chinland People’s Police Force.
Applications must be submitted in person by May 20.
⸻ - JFM criticizes junta’s “fake parliament”
Justice For Myanmar stated that the junta cannot erase its war crimes by convening a fake parliament or changing names.
They described it as an attempt to gain false legitimacy while continuing unlawful arrests, torture, killings, and displacement.
JFM urged the international community to reject these tactics and impose targeted sanctions on the junta’s finances, weapons, and aviation fuel.
⸻ - New passport law targets CDM and activists
The military council issued a new passport law on March 7 banning passports for opponents, CDM participants, and those convicted under political charges.
The law replaces the 1920 Passport Act and allows up to 5 years imprisonment.
Under Section 29(c), authorities can deny passports to anyone deemed a threat to state security.
It also restricts former prisoners, blacklisted individuals, deportees, and others.
Authorities can revoke passports at any time.
The law introduces an e-passport system requiring a Unique ID, raising concerns about digital surveillance.
Critics say this law aims to restrict citizens’ freedom of movement and isolate political activists internationally.
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These reports were provided by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.