Hello,
Starting now, we will be presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s main headlines include:
- At least 17 civilians, including children, killed in junta airstrikes in Mese, Pale, Myingyan, Kawlin, and Falam townships.
- Junta column in Yedashe killed five civilians and one PLSF member.
- The BRAVE Burma Act, which would impose strong sanctions on Myanmar’s military, has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.
- More than 4,000 political prisoners have been released from prisons nationwide, according to PPNM.
We will also cover additional related developments.
⸻ - At Least 17 Civilians, Including Children, Killed in Junta Airstrikes Across Five Townships
m.CDM, March 5
The military junta carried out airstrikes in at least five townships across Karenni State, Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, and Chin State, killing at least 17 civilians, including children.
On March 5 at around 11:15 a.m., a junta jet fighter dropped three bombs on a prisoner-of-war detention site near the BP13 trade zone south of Mese Township in Karenni State.
An 8-year-old girl, four women, and one man were killed in the attack.
In Pale Township, Sagaing Region, at around 2:00 p.m. on March 1, a jet fighter from Tada-U Air Base bombed North Pitaung Kone village. An elderly couple inside their home was killed, and more than 20 houses were destroyed by fire.
Later that night, at around 9:00 p.m., two paramotor aircraft from Monywa dropped bombs on Maroetone village in Pale Township, killing two civilians and injuring three others.
In Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, the junta used a drone to bomb a monastery in Nabu-Aing village on March 4 in the afternoon. A 7-year-old child, a 35-year-old woman, and two elderly women were killed, bringing the total to four deaths.
On March 5 at around 4:50 p.m., a jet fighter from Magway Air Base bombed the eastern part of Kawlin town in Sagaing Region, killing one civilian and injuring others, according to Kawlin Revolution–KR.
Similarly, in Falam, Chin State, jets dropped two bombs over the town at about 1:15 p.m. on March 5, and two more bombs were dropped on Lonban village at around 3:00 p.m., causing some homes to burn down.
Additionally, a CNDF member was killed during fighting near Su Taung Taung hill close to Hlan Zal village on the night of March 4 while carrying out duties for his people and country.
⸻ - Junta Column in Yedashe Killed Five Civilians and One PLSF Member
m.CDM, March 5
In Yedashe Township, Bago Region, west of the Sittaung River, a junta military column arrested and killed five civilians and one member of the People’s Liberation Student Force (PLSF), according to a PLSF statement.
Starting February 23, around 500 junta troops advanced into the western bank of the Sittaung River. On February 24, they split into two columns of about 200 troops each and entered villages, leading to clashes.
Due to being outnumbered, allied resistance forces had to retreat. On February 25, fighting broke out again near a village, during which two junta soldiers were reportedly killed. However, resistance forces were unable to retrieve weapons due to the junta’s superior strength.
The junta troops looted civilian property along their route and arbitrarily killed four civilians, according to the statement.
On February 28, a PLSF member returning from the rear after receiving medical treatment and a civilian supporter of the revolution encountered the junta column on the road and were arrested.
They were reportedly tied up, taken to a jetty, tortured, and then shot three times each and killed.
⸻ - Three Soldiers Killed in Drone Bombing of Naval Inspection Gate in Myingyan
m.CDM, March 5
A naval inspection gate used by junta forces at the Seik Nyi water pumping station in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, was attacked with drones, killing three soldiers, according to the Yesagyo Township People’s Security Force.
On March 2, resistance forces used two fixed-wing drones to drop five bombs on junta troops stationed at the checkpoint. Three soldiers were killed on the spot, and one was seriously injured.
The attack was jointly carried out by the Yesagyo Township People’s Security Force and the Yesagyo Joint Drone Unit.
The checkpoint, located at the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and Chindwin rivers between Yesagyo (Magway Region) and Myingyan (Mandalay Region), has reportedly been attacked at least five times previously by resistance forces.
⸻ - Five KNLA Soldiers Injured in Ambush by KTLA (Bo Kola Phaw Group) in Thayetchaung
m.CDM, March 5
Five KNLA soldiers were injured in an ambush by the KTLA group led by Bo Saw Eh Kwee (aka Kola Phaw) in Thayetchaung Township, Myeik–Dawei District, under KNU administration.
The ambush occurred on the afternoon of March 4 between Thamee Paw Thaw village and Pyar Thar Chaung village in the Kaseh Doh area.
KNLA Battalion 12, under Brigade 4, was attacked while heading to reinforce operations against junta forces. KTLA had previously clashed with KNLA Brigade 4, resulting in casualties including officers.
⸻ - Intense Fighting in Mogok–Momeik, Bhamo–Waingmaw, Kawkareik, and Eastern Loikaw
m.CDM, March 5
Heavy fighting continues in several regions.
In Mogok (Mandalay Region) and Momeik (northern Shan State), NUG-MOD forces and some SRA units have engaged in 17 clashes during January and February 2026. Twenty-one junta soldiers were reportedly killed, and two were captured alive.
Fighting remains intense in Bhamo and Waingmaw (Kachin State). Junta forces have stationed troops in No. (1) Basic Education High School and Kangu monastery, using drones, artillery, and jets to attack KIA joint forces.
In eastern Loikaw, Karenni State, junta and PNO joint columns have launched offensives since March 2, leading to intense clashes. Fighting is also ongoing daily in Mobye, Hpasawng, and Mawchi.
In northern Kawkareik Township, Karen State, clashes have continued since March 1 as junta forces attempt to control the Kyondoe–Kawkareik road section. The junta is reportedly reinforcing troops, including newly conscripted soldiers under the military service law, supported by artillery, drones, and airstrikes.
⸻ - Central Committee Meeting on Interim Local People’s Administration Held
m.CDM, March 5
The National Unity Government (NUG) held Meeting No. 8/2026 of the Central Committee for the Implementation of Interim Local People’s Administration at 10:00 a.m. on March 5.
Union Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann delivered the opening remarks and reviewed progress on tasks set during Meeting No. 7/2026.
Union ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, and other officials attended. The meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
⸻ - NUG to Hold Grade 10 (Old System) Exams in May; Applications Open March 11
m.CDM, March 5
The NUG Ministry of Education announced that the 2026 Basic Education Completion Assessment (Old System Grade 10) will begin in May.
Applications will be accepted online, free of charge, from March 11 to April 11. Exams will be conducted online between May and July 2026.
Each exam will last two hours and will focus on critical thinking and application rather than rote memorization. If internet disruptions or security issues interrupt an exam, students will be allowed to retake it.
Results will be released using a grading system.
⸻ - BRAVE Burma Act Introduced in U.S. Senate
m.CDM, March 5
The BRAVE Burma Act, aimed at imposing stronger sanctions on Myanmar’s military, has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.
Senators Chris Van Hollen and Todd Young, along with Mitch McConnell and Jeff Merkley, introduced the bipartisan bill on March 5 to strengthen U.S. responses to the situation in Myanmar.
The bill seeks to respond to worsening humanitarian crises and hold the military accountable for violence and human rights violations. It would authorize stronger sanctions against entities financially supporting the military and strengthen mechanisms to cut off its revenue streams, including countering growing Chinese and Russian influence in the region.
⸻ - Six Family Members, Including Three Children, Brutally Murdered in Hopin
m.CDM, March 5
In Hopin, Kachin State, six members of a family, including three children, were brutally murdered on the night of March 4 in Myoma Taung Ward.
The victims were identified as U Kyaw Myat Oo (41), his wife Ma Ei Phyu (37), their son (11), two daughters (9 and 5), and a 42-year-old housemaid.
They were reportedly hacked to death with knives and axes. Jewelry was stolen, and some victims’ ears were cut to remove earrings. Authorities are investigating.
⸻ - Over 4,000 Political Prisoners Released Nationwide, Says PPNM
m.CDM, March 4
According to the Political Prisoners Network–Myanmar (PPNM), 4,403 political prisoners have been released from 39 prisons nationwide as of 8:00 p.m. on March 4.
The largest number—over 900—were released from Obo Prison, followed by 368 from Myitkyina Prison and 339 from Magway Prison.
Although the junta announced amnesty for detainees charged under Sections 52(a) and 50(j), some prisoners remain detained, according to family members.
PPNM has called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners.
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Today’s news was provided by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.