Hello. Starting now, we will be reading and presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s news includes:
1. NUG says a suspect has been arrested in the alleged rape of a female fighter in Yinmarbin District; women’s organizations demand effective action.
2. KNDF urges people to resist not only the military dictatorship but all forms of patriarchy and oppression.
3. UK Embassy head says he respects and admires the achievements of Myanmar women; the German Embassy says it honors Myanmar women.
4. U.S. President Trump issues an order to crack down on “online scam syndicates” and to take decisive action against countries that host them—along with other related items.
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1) NUG says suspect arrested in alleged rape of a female fighter in Yinmarbin District; women’s groups demand effective action
m.CDM — March 8
Regarding an incident in which a female member of the People’s Defence Force (PDF) in Yinmarbin District, Battalion (20), was allegedly raped, officials from the National Unity Government (NUG) said that a suspect has been detained and is being interrogated.
Deputy Minister U Kyaw Ni from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration confirmed that, in coordination with the Ministry of Defence, authorities are holding and questioning the suspect.
U Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the Union Prime Minister’s Office, said that once investigations are completed, details will be released and effective action will be taken in accordance with the law.
According to reports, the case involves: the rape of a married female fighter while she was under arrest/detention; threats to her life and to her three-year-old daughter; torture, including carving/writing on her thigh and calf with a knife; ethnic and religious discriminatory insults; and also accusations that the victim had “consented.”
In connection with this incident, seven organizations—including the All Burma Women’s Union—along with sixteen other women’s rights groups reportedly sent an open letter to Acting President Duwa Lashi La, calling for effective legal action and insisting that perpetrators must not be granted impunity.
They also urged the NUG to ensure the security of the victim’s family and to establish prevention and accountability mechanisms within revolutionary organizations so that sexual violence does not recur.
Women’s groups strongly criticized that if violence against women is tolerated under the banner of fighting dictatorship, it amounts to betraying the revolution’s core values of human dignity and justice.
The open letter also reportedly referenced other cases and demands, including: an alleged rape of a schoolgirl by a leader of the Kantbalu PAF with no action taken yet; an allegation that a battalion commander from Yinmarbin District Battalion (26) raped a pregnant woman; and an incident in Kyaukse District Battalion (3) where a female medic was beaten.
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2) Mine attack on returning soldiers in Ngazun and Tada-U: 7 killed, many injured
m.CDM — March 8
In Mandalay Region’s Myingyan District, in Ngazun and Tada-U townships, a force that had been lying in ambush attacked returning soldiers using “padesa mines,” killing seven soldiers and injuring many others, according to a statement released on March 8 by the Red Dragon Guerrilla Force (Myingyan).
The statement said the soldiers were returning in three vehicles and were hit on March 7 at 2:20 p.m., around milepost 14, when ten “padesa mines” were detonated. Seven soldiers reportedly died on the spot and many others were wounded.
Although soldiers fired indiscriminately during the attack, the resistance fighters reportedly withdrew safely.
The operation was carried out jointly by allied forces: Myingyan Sub-township (3) Red Dragon Guerrilla Force and Ngazun Sub-township (4) “Brave Brothers” force.
They said they would continue to carry out strong attacks against junta forces in Ngazun and Tada-U.
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3) Column that shelled a shinbyu house in Kani—killing 5 including two novice monks—hit by mine attack
m.CDM — March 8
Union Liberation Front (ULF) reported that resistance forces carried out a mine attack on a junta column that had shelled a shinbyu donation house in Natla-po-taung Village, Kani Township, Sagaing Region, killing five civilians including two novice monks.
According to the report, on March 7 the junta column—about 300 troops in 12 vehicles—advanced from the Chindwin Bridge side and deliberately shelled the shinbyu donation house in the village with heavy weapons.
As a result, two novice monks and three civilians who were listening to religious chanting at the house were killed by artillery impacts.
After the killings, the column withdrew toward Yinmarbin. On the morning of March 8, resistance forces reportedly ambushed it near Aung Zay Yar Village with 16 “padesa mines.”
ULF said at least 30 junta soldiers were killed and casualties were transported away by vehicles. After the blast, the junta side fired small arms, including “point-five,” but resistance forces reportedly withdrew without losses.
The attack was reportedly conducted jointly by ULF V 02 and Kani PDF 9+ column.
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4) Attack on junta troops reinforcing Mingun police station: 4 killed, 8 injured
m.CDM — March 8
No More Dictatorship People Defence Force (NMD) released a statement with video footage saying an attack on junta troops who had reinforced Mingun police station and advanced in a column resulted in four soldiers killed and eight injured.
According to the statement, about 250 troops traveled from Mandalay by three “thunkhun” boats to reinforce Mingun police station. Resistance forces ambushed them on February 28 in a location within Mingun Sub-township, Sagaing Township.
NMD said eight were injured including a column commander, and at least four were killed.
The battered column reportedly left on March 4 around 4:00 p.m. by boat and returned to the Central Command Headquarters (the “Lapakh”).
The attack was carried out jointly by NMD, Unicorn Guerrilla Force (UGF), People Servant Force, Chanmyathazi Township PaKaFa, and Mingun PDF allies.
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5) Junta shells and burns villages in Salingyi and Yinmarbin; KNLA fighter and township worker allegedly killed by KTLA
m.CDM — March 8
In Sagaing Region’s Salingyi Township, the junta fired three heavy artillery shells toward Wet Hmwe Village from the Monywa riverbank around 3:00 p.m. on March 8. One shell exploded near the village; two landed inside the village and inside the Wanbao company compound where the junta is stationed, but reportedly did not explode.
In Yinmarbin Township, Nabu Taw Village was reportedly raided on the morning of March 8 by a junta column, and ten houses were burned down.
In Tanintharyi Region, within KNU-controlled areas of Myeik–Dawei District, KNU stated that a KNLA Battalion (12) fighter and a township worker were arrested and brutally killed around 2:00 a.m. on March 7 by a KTLA force led by Bo Saw El Khwee (aka “Kaw Lar Pho”).
KNU also noted that on March 4 the same KTLA group ambushed a vehicle from KNLA Battalion (12), injuring five fighters.
Separately, in Kler Lwee Htoo District’s Ledo and Muu townships, five civilians were reportedly injured due to junta heavy weapons, drones, and mines. On March 4 and 5, drone bombings and artillery shelling in Natlaunglay and Innpri villages reportedly caused civilian injuries.
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6) Mine strike hits a column commander’s vehicle in Thaton (Theinzayat) Township; column retreats
m.CDM — March 8
Urban Operations Column (U.O.C) stated that in Mon State’s Theinzayat Township, a junta column commander’s vehicle hit a mine, causing the column to retreat.
The statement said that combined forces—KNLA Battalion 3, Company 4; ABSDF Battalion 3; and U.O.C—carried out the mine attack near Kyauk Yae Twin Village around 8:46 a.m. on March 4.
U.O.C said the targeted vehicle carried a high-ranking officer (a tactical commander or column commander).
Because of the attack, the column reportedly turned back and withdrew toward its bases in Theinzayat area and had not redeployed again as of the time of reporting.
Local sources said the column had been operating with around 300 troops since February 8, led by Major Aung Zaw Moe, with units including LIB-2 and LID-8 moving along the Theinzayat–Shwegyin road.
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7) Youth forcibly conscripted as a porter escapes after contacting “Lightning” sub-unit
m.CDM — March 8
A unit said a young man who had been forcibly seized as a porter by junta forces in Kantbalu Township, Sagaing Region, managed to escape after contacting the “Lightning” sub-unit (Company 3) of Monywa District Battalion (12).
The statement said he was unlawfully arrested at a junta checkpoint in Kantbalu in November 2025.
He was then sent to attend a 12-week military training in Hopong, southern Shan State, and later transferred to junta Battalion (119) in Pyithu Thar Gyi Township, Mandalay Region.
During transport, while temporarily staying at Division (33) in Sagaing, he contacted the Lightning sub-unit and escaped from within the junta forces.
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😎 Minister Dr. Win Myat Aye honors women on the front lines; Defence Ministry says it will keep working for equality
m.CDM — March 8
On International Women’s Day, NUG Union Minister Dr. Win Myat Aye expressed respect and pride for women who have sacrificed their lives in the Spring Revolution and for women who continue to stand firm amid hardship.
He said this at an International Women’s Day commemorative event held on March 8, as the Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Labour, and Humanitarian Assistance (as stated in the report).
He paid tribute to women who gave their lives resisting dictatorship for democracy and freedom, and thanked all women who continue to participate in the revolutionary path despite difficulties.
He added that women have been bravely involved not only in protests, humanitarian relief, education, healthcare, and information dissemination, but in some places also in security and defence duties.
He noted that women still face serious risks of violence, arrest, torture, and human rights abuses due to the military dictatorship.
Therefore, he said the NUG will continue efforts to increase women’s political participation and protect women from violence, and he urged the international community to continue supporting women’s rights and security.
The NUG Ministry of Defence also issued a statement honoring women’s rights, dignity, and efforts across generations in overcoming restrictions and leading the revolution.
NUG’s humanitarian ministry and NUCC’s Gender Policy Coordination Committee also issued a joint statement urging practical cooperation in emergency actions that protect the rights and dignity of women and children.
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9) KNDF urges resistance to patriarchy and all oppression, not only the military dictatorship
m.CDM — March 8
The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) urged people to resist not only the military dictatorship but also patriarchy and all forms of oppression.
The message was issued for International Women’s Day on March 8.
KNDF’s Gender Equality Department honored all diverse women serving within KNDF forces.
It said women play important roles in social development, peacebuilding, and security.
KNDF stated that in its battalions, women make up at least one-fifth of each unit’s structure and serve in both front-line and rear roles.
The statement said this reflects the courage and humanity of women participating in various parts of the revolution today.
It added that diverse women continue to challenge patriarchal social norms and, in the defence sector, are pushing back against both military dictatorship and patriarchal oppression along the difficult revolutionary journey.
KNDF called on everyone to work together to build a humane society that values human dignity.
The report added that KNDF was formed on May 31, 2021 after the coup, and that military records suggest it has over 30 battalions and more than 10,000 members.
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10) NUG restricts movement of fuel; says transit for allied forces can be coordinated and allowed
m.CDM — March 8
NUG issued a directive on March 6 to restrict fuel in areas it controls—allowing fuel to enter but not allowing it to leave.
Under the directive, fuel shipments destined for Kachin, Chin, and Rakhine States that need to pass through regions/federal unit territories must coordinate in advance with NUG and can only transit with permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration.
Spokesperson U Nay Phone Latt explained that the directive is genuine, and if the transport is confirmed to be for allied forces, transit permission will be granted.
The report said the restrictions are due to fuel shortages linked to an “Iran war” that has disrupted oil imports, requiring a national-level policy response.
The main aim, it said, is to prevent fuel from reaching the junta forces.
ICNCC Chair Salai Htan Chun Phay criticized the directive, saying it affects states in a discriminatory manner, could create black markets, and may harm civilians.
The report added that the junta has also issued restrictions such as allowing vehicles to operate only every other day, and observers said the new enforcement by the resistance side could create misunderstandings among allies unless handled carefully.
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10) UK Embassy head praises Myanmar women; German Embassy says it honors them
m.CDM — March 8
The head of the British Embassy in Yangon and the German Embassy issued statements on International Women’s Day, March 8.
British Embassy head Andrew Jackson said he personally respects and admires the achievements of Myanmar women, according to the report.
He also spoke in a video message about the UK government’s commitments to advance the rights and equality of women and girls worldwide, including in Myanmar.
He said the UK is committed to supporting women’s rights and equality and that humanitarian assistance, education, and livelihoods programs for women and girls are key priorities. He added the UK has commitments to end violence against women and girls, including online violence.
The German Embassy said International Women’s Day is a time to honor the strength of women around the world, and especially to honor all women in Myanmar.
Its statement said that from mothers who hold families together to girls who keep fighting for their dreams and women rebuilding society, many work quietly—but their resilience strengthens communities and keeps hope alive.
It also stated that societies that invest in equal opportunities for women and girls and encourage women’s participation in political decision-making are, based on statistics, more stable and peaceful in the long term.
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11) Trump issues order to combat transnational online scam syndicates; threatens action against host countries
m.CDM — March 8
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 6 aimed at eradicating transnational cybercrime and “scam centers” that target American families, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
The report says The Wall Street Journal covered it under the headline, “Trump signs executive order aimed at cybercrime gangs.”
The order reportedly directs U.S. diplomatic, law-enforcement, and national security agencies to dismantle cybercrime networks.
It also reportedly treats major Southeast Asia-based online scam syndicates as international criminal organizations and prioritizes prosecutions of fraud enabled by online technology, directing the Attorney General accordingly.
The report says the order includes strong measures against countries that allow these scam operations to operate on their territory, including the possibility of sanctions and other follow-on actions.
It further claims this is a major warning for scam hubs and for authorities who protect them in places such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
The order reportedly designates a national coordinating center (NCC) as the lead body and instructs development of an action plan for investigation and dismantlement operations.
The report says the Secretary of State is to press foreign governments regarding criminal networks, and that measures could include sanctions, visa restrictions, limits on foreign assistance, and expulsions of implicated officials.
It also says Thai media report the FBI has begun investigations in Thailand focusing on scam gangs based along the Thai–Myanmar border.
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These news items were submitted by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.