Hello,
Starting from now, we will be reading and presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s headlines include:
- AA launches an offensive on KaPaSa (16) in Pandaung; captures 5 prisoners of war; AA grants amnesty to 30 POWs in Paletwa
- In Hpakant, Kyaukpadaung, and Pakokku townships, junta troops burned villages and shelled areas; one displaced person was shot dead
- Reports circulating that Police Chief Win Zaw Moe has been arrested due to Chinese pressure; close sources say he was transferred to the Ministry of Religious Affairs
- UK government announces it will suspend issuing student visas to nationals of four countries including Myanmar
Along with these, we will also present other related items.
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1) AA launches an offensive on KaPaSa (16) in Pandaung; captures 5 POWs; AA grants amnesty to 30 POWs in Paletwa
m.CDM — March 4
In Pandaung Township, Bago Region, Arakan Army (AA) and allied resistance forces have begun an offensive against the junta’s major explosives factory, KaPaSa (16), and are currently attacking it, according to reports. They reportedly captured five prisoners of war.
Since March 1, they have reportedly been able to strike inside the KaPaSa (16) compound with rockets and heavy weapons, and as the offensive continued, resistance forces are said to have advanced and established positions up to 5 kilometers from the factory.
Due to the offensive, junta troops stationed at KaPaSa (16) outposts have reportedly fled, and on March 3, AA forces allegedly captured five fleeing personnel alive.
Fighting is reportedly intense, and the junta is said to be resisting desperately, using heavy air support to prevent the factory from falling.
Pandaung Township is described as a key hub for producing bombs, ammunition, and various explosives for the junta. KaPaSa (16) is described as a critical site for producing and storing TNT, essential for weapons production.
Separately, in Paletwa District, Chin State, AA reportedly released 30 detainees—including military/police POWs and civilians—on March 4 for humanitarian reasons.
Those released reportedly included 16 military POWs, 1 police officer, 5 military family members, and 8 civilian detainees. AA said this was the 10th such amnesty in the Paletwa area, and that nearly 2,000 people in total have been released so far.
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2) In Hpakant, Kyaukpadaung, and Pakokku townships, junta troops burned villages and shelled areas; one displaced person was shot dead
m.CDM — March 4
In Hpakant Township (Kachin State), Kyaukpadaung Township (Mandalay Region), and Pakokku Township (Magway Region), junta forces reportedly conducted raids, burned villages, and shelled areas with heavy weapons, resulting in civilian casualties. A displaced person was also reportedly shot dead by a junta column.
In Hpakant, fighting reportedly broke out for two consecutive days starting midday on March 3 in areas including Ma Shi Ka Htaung Ward, Sut Taung Kone, and Club Kone.
During these clashes, a heavy artillery strike fired from the junta’s Hpakant tactical base reportedly hit near Club Kone, injuring a 70-year-old woman, Daw Jar Phaluu, and another woman.
In Kyaukpadaung Township, starting around 2:00 PM on March 3, junta forces and Pyu Saw Htee reportedly carried out arson attacks, and more than 70 houses in Seik Taing Myauk Village, Seik Taing Taung Village, and Ku Taw Village were reportedly burned down.
Around 6:30 AM on March 4, the same column reportedly burned five more houses in Sai Gaung Village, and also shot and killed a displaced person who was a palm climber/farmer.
In addition, the column reportedly looted about 3 million kyats (30 lakh kyats) of donated funds stored at a village monastery for road construction, and also stole a gold necklace and 600,000 kyats from an elderly woman who could not flee.
In Pakokku Township, around 7:00 AM on March 4, a combined force of about 150 soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee reportedly left the Nyaung Gyit Pin Pyu Saw Htee camp and entered Yela Gyi Village, where they set houses on fire. There was reportedly no fighting at the time, and at least 30 houses were burned, with firefighting still not possible—so the number of destroyed houses may rise.
Similarly, in KNU-controlled territory in Ledo Township (Bago Region), shelling on February 25 reportedly damaged a school in Taung Khin Village.
On March 2, a junta drone attack reportedly injured two civilians in Kanyin Kyun and Kyun Gyi villages.
Additionally, in KNU territory, Myeik–Dawei District, Kasaido Township, KNU said the junta carried out at least 36 airstrikes between February 11 and 27, killing 1 civilian, injuring 10, destroying 11 houses, and forcing more than 500 locals to flee into forests and mountains.
It was also reported that soldiers from LIB 409 (Light Infantry Battalion 409) recently arrested and killed seven travelers without cause in Kasaido Township.
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3) Monywa–Chaung-U road: Pyu Saw Htee group collecting extortion money hit by a landmine; 5 casualties
m.CDM — March 4
BRAVE HEART ARMY (BHA) said allied resistance forces carried out a landmine attack on a Pyu Saw Htee group that came out to forcibly collect extortion money in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region, resulting in five Pyu Saw Htee members becoming casualties.
At around 2:40 PM on March 3, a group of about 20 Pyu Saw Htee members left Taw Pu Village and went onto the Monywa–Chaung-U road to collect extortion money, where resistance forces attacked them using a special mine.
Eyewitnesses said four were injured and one died on the spot.
The attack was reportedly carried out jointly by BHA, Monywa Dynamite (STF), Chindwin Fighter Group (CFG), and Monywa Special – Deit Deit Kyei.
After the attack, that night, the Pyu Saw Htee group reportedly entered a civilian home in Kyae Mone Village with a Surf vehicle and forcibly robbed money. They also reportedly fired indiscriminately in the surrounding area, injuring an innocent civilian in the leg.
Resistance forces urged civilians to travel and live with heightened security awareness and caution.
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4) In Paungde Town, marching junta troops hit by landmine: 2 dead, 3 seriously injured
m.CDM — March 4
Local military sources said that in Pauktaw Village, Paungde Township, Pyay District (Bago Region), a group of junta soldiers—about 50 on foot from KhaMaYa (10)—were hit by a landmine attack, leaving 2 dead and 3 seriously injured.
The soldiers reportedly set out on a “clearance operation,” marching from Pauktaw Village toward Thae Mae Village, and were attacked around 8:30 AM on March 2 by fighters from Pyay District Battalion 1, Company 3, under the command of Strategy 21, according to a confirmation by a person in charge of intelligence and communications for the battalion, known as Shadow.
Because the resistance had prior information, they were reportedly able to wait in advance and launch the attack. The junta returned fire with heavy and small arms; three cattle in Thae Mae Village reportedly died, but no civilians or resistance fighters were harmed.
The damaged column reportedly could not continue the operation and retreated, carrying the dead and wounded on stretchers.
It was also reported that on February 27, fighters from Battalion 1, Companies 4 and 5 attacked soldiers who had carried out forced portering in a ward of Paungde Town, killing one soldier and injuring another.
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5) In Falam, some ammunition bundles dropped by Y-12 aircraft seized by Chin forces
m.CDM — March 4
Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) said that in Falam Township, Chin State, Chin armed groups seized some ammunition bundles that were airdropped by a Y-12 aircraft for a junta column operating in the area.
CNDF and allied Chin armed groups reportedly obtained some of the weapons and supplies. A spokesperson for CNO/CNDF (based in Falam), Salai Tin Mi, also reportedly confirmed this to local media.
According to him, the ammunition was obtained on March 2, and photo records released by CNDF suggest the items included newly produced artillery shells/warheads.
Because clashes between junta forces and Chin armed groups are ongoing, the junta reportedly makes near-daily supply drops of ammunition and provisions.
Military records reportedly indicate that the junta has been using thousands of troops, along with air support and drones, for over four months in an attempt to retake Falam, which Chin defense forces have seized.
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6) Near Koe Pin Village, Pakokku: soldiers collecting extortion money attacked by drone; 3 soldiers killed; 1 rifle seized
m.CDM — March 4
Earthquake People’s Defence Force said allied resistance forces carried out a drone bomb attack on soldiers collecting extortion money near Koe Pin Village, Pakokku Township (Magway Region), killing three soldiers and seizing one rifle.
The attack reportedly took place on March 2, killing 3 and injuring 2, and a MA-3 rifle was seized.
The operation was reportedly carried out jointly by Earthquake People’s Defence Force (Pakokku District local unit), Myaing PaKaPha, Burma Revolution Ranger, Good Brothers, and Magway-KG.
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7) NUG foreign minister Daw Zin Mar Aung meets online with Myanmar nationals in the Middle East, offers encouragement
m.CDM — March 4
NUG Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Union Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung met online on March 2 with Myanmar nationals residing in countries across the Middle East, offering words of encouragement.
The statement said that after conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, the region has seen explosions and frequent missile activity day and night. As Thailand was reportedly arranging special flights to evacuate Thai nationals who wished to return, the NUG foreign minister held this online meeting to encourage and engage with Myanmar nationals.
They reportedly discussed the situation of Myanmar nationals abroad amid rising security concerns, and also exchanged views on the Spring Revolution’s current achievements, challenges, and future plans. NUG also said Myanmar’s representative to the Czech Republic, U Lin Thant, attended.
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😎 NUG Human Rights Ministry thanks those who submitted recommendations for the draft Union Human Rights Commission bill
m.CDM — March 4
The NUG Ministry of Human Rights expressed thanks to those who submitted recommendations for the draft Union Human Rights Commission bill.
The ministry said it solicited public views and suggestions from February 16 to March 2, and received eight substantive submissions, which it described as meaningful beyond mere numbers—reflecting public concern for rights and justice.
The ministry said the recommendations were serious and substantial, grounded in international standards, reflecting real-world challenges, and offering sincere methods to strengthen the commission.
It also said this provides a strong foundation for establishing an independent commission in line with the Paris Principles, and pledged to transparently inform the public how the draft changes through the review and incorporation process, aiming for the law to become a “people’s law” shaped by public voices.
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9) Japan’s vice foreign minister meets Myanmar democracy supporters; pledges to ensure aid reaches Myanmar people directly
m.CDM — March 4
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Vice-Minister Ms. Kunimitsu Ayano met with a Japanese parliamentary group supportive of Myanmar’s democracy movement and a Myanmar delegation in Japan.
The meeting took place at Japan’s Foreign Ministry on March 4, starting at 5:20 PM, lasting 30 minutes. Attendees reportedly included adviser Ms. Fukushima Mizuho, secretariat members, and Myanmar representatives.
They reportedly discussed Myanmar’s election-related situation and delivered a request letter to the Japanese government.
In response, the vice-minister explained Japan’s stance and said Japan would continue urging the military to immediately stop all violence—including airstrikes—and release detainees. They also exchanged views on humanitarian aid, with Japan reaffirming that its policy to help Myanmar people in hardship will not change, and that it would work to ensure aid directly benefits people’s livelihoods.
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10) Reports: Police Chief Win Zaw Moe arrested due to Chinese pressure; close sources say he was transferred to Religious Affairs ministry
m.CDM — March 4
Reports are widely circulating that the Myanmar Police Force chief under the junta, Deputy Police Major General Win Zaw Moe, has been arrested due to pressure from the Chinese government related to online scam operations (Kyarr Phan / cyber-fraud).
Some Naypyidaw sources claim he was implicated and that China pushed for his arrest, and that he is currently being detained and interrogated.
It was also reported that the current deputy police chief, Police Major General Win Bo, has assumed the duties in his place.
However, other sources close to the police force say Win Zaw Moe was not arrested, but instead was transferred to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.
Win Zaw Moe was reportedly appointed police chief in August 2024, after the fall of the Northeast Regional Military Command (RMAK) in the Lashio battle during “Operation 1027.”
He has reportedly been out of public view since attending an ASEAN Police Chiefs’ meeting in Thailand in November 2025.
The report notes the junta has previously arrested and taken action against senior military figures under Chinese pressure over cyber-fraud. This time, it says pressure is also coming from the United States; on February 24, it was reported that the U.S. FBI would step up efforts and take a leading role in cracking down on cyber-scam gangs in Southeast Asia.
NUG has also called on the international community to take effective action, alleging the Myanmar military and its affiliates profit heavily from cyber-fraud operations.
As of now, the junta has made no official announcement regarding Win Zaw Moe’s alleged arrest.
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11) UK government announces it will suspend issuing student visas to nationals of four countries including Myanmar
m.CDM — March 4
The UK government announced that it will suspend issuing student visas to nationals of Myanmar, Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Sudan, citing a significant rise in asylum claims among people who entered on student visas.
The Guardian reported that this is the first time the UK has imposed such a ban on student visas.
A UK Home Office statement dated March 2 also said that it will suspend issuing work visas to Afghan nationals.
UK Labour minister Shabana Mahmood accused some people from these countries of exploiting the UK’s assistance and compassion by applying for asylum. She said the UK will continue granting asylum to people fleeing war and persecution, but its visa system should not be abused.
The Home Office said the number of arrivals from these countries has increased and that some are using legal migration routes and then applying for asylum as a “backdoor” pathway, according to The Guardian.
The report suggests the new measure is intended to strengthen the visa system, and that it applies to new applicants from March 3, not to cancel visas already granted to current student visa holders.
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12) Junta spokesperson says fuel won’t run out and there are 40 days of reserves; long queues in cities; EV market surging
m.CDM — March 4
Although the junta says Myanmar is not facing a fuel shortage, long lines for fuel are forming not only in Yangon and Mandalay but also in other major cities, and the EV market is reportedly heating up.
Spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said nearly 130 million gallons of reserve fuel—enough for 40 days—is ready, and that 14 fuel tankers are also on the way.
He said the odd-even (“sone/ma”) fuel-saving driving restrictions were issued not due to a lack of fuel but for long-term planning, and that fuel prices may change in line with global prices.
On the ground, however, drivers are lining up because of the new odd-even driving system set to begin on March 7, fearing shortages and price increases. Some reportedly fill their tanks and siphon fuel at home for storage, raising concerns about fire risk during the hot season.
Meanwhile, electric bicycles and EV motorbikes—outside the odd-even restrictions—are seeing a rush in demand. Chinese- and Thai-made EV motorbikes are reportedly the best sellers, with some showrooms temporarily closing due to shortages; even used EV bikes are reportedly priced around 1.2 million kyats.
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13) Karenni: fuel shortages force suspension of aid operations for displaced people
m.CDM — March 4
In Karenni State, fuel shortages have reportedly made it impossible to purchase fuel, forcing groups assisting displacement camps to suspend their operations.
Fuel prices reportedly rose from around 14,000 kyats per gallon to as high as 35,000 kyats, and in some places fuel cannot be bought at all.
Due to the shortage, aid operations—such as water distribution and food provision—for about 50,000 people across around 120 camps in the western part of Demoso reportedly face suspension. Displaced communities are also facing drinking water difficulties, and aid groups warned that without fuel they cannot operate vehicles or water pumps.
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These reports were sent in by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.