Hello, and from this moment on, we will be presenting m.CDM domestic news.
The news items we will present today include:
- ASEAN Chair officially calls for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners
- Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun warns that Myanmar has reached an extremely alarming situation where an entire generation could be lost
- The military’s claim that more than 500 PDF members surrendered in Mandalay is merely a propaganda event staged with informants and hired people
- The United States announces a reward of $10 million for information on the Myanmar-based Tai Chang scam gang
along with other reports as well.
⸻ - ASEAN Chair officially calls for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners
m.CDM, April 24
The Philippines, as the current rotating chair of ASEAN, officially issued a statement on April 24 calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
ASEAN especially welcomed the release of President U Win Myint during Myanmar New Year on April 17, saying it was a positive step toward inclusive national-level dialogue involving all stakeholders.
ASEAN’s statement said that it continues to reaffirm the Five-Point Consensus as the main reference framework for resolving the Myanmar crisis.
It also called for an immediate end to violence targeting civilians and public infrastructure, as well as for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
On April 22, when Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa visited Naypyidaw, he said that “ASEAN is concerned about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s health condition.” According to Reuters, the junta chief replied that she was “being well cared for” and that they were considering what would be best for her.
On April 25, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Naypyidaw, and there is speculation that he may request permission to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Her son, Ko Htein Lin, has called for proof that “his mother is alive and in good health.”
He told the BBC that he has not been allowed any contact and that no one even knows for certain whether she is still alive.
At present, an international campaign called “Proof of Life” is also being launched to demand information about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s condition.
⸻ - Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun warns that Myanmar has reached an extremely alarming situation where an entire generation could be lost
m.CDM, April 24
Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun, has warned that the country has reached a deeply alarming situation in which an entire generation could be lost.
He made the remarks during the UN Economic and Social Council’s Financing for Development follow-up meeting held on April 23.
The ambassador explained that a World Bank report had warned that declining job opportunities, the emigration of skilled workers, shrinking human capital, and the deterioration of education and healthcare services would severely undermine Myanmar’s long-term development prospects.
For that reason, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun said Myanmar is facing an extremely worrying situation where an entire generation could be lost.
He also urged the international community to support the efforts of the Myanmar people to rebuild the country, noting that after the military coup, Myanmar had lost the development gains and promising financial development prospects it previously had.
He informed meeting participants that illegal businesses, including online financial scams and other transnational crimes, are expanding widely, and that groups connected to the military dictatorship are involved in protecting them, leading to greater flows of illicit finance and more safe havens for transnational criminals.
He also pointed out that the junta’s violence against civilians and its disregard for the rule of law are the main causes of Myanmar’s developmental regression and instability.
He said the formation of the Interim Coordination and Implementation Body for Federal Democracy by domestic democratic forces shows that Myanmar is one step closer to fulfilling the people’s goals of ending military dictatorship, building a federal democratic union, and restoring a brighter future for the country.
Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun again called on the international community to support the Myanmar people’s efforts for lasting peace, stability, and the building of a better Myanmar.
⸻ - The United States announces a reward of $10 million for information on the Myanmar-based Tai Chang scam gang
m.CDM, April 24
The U.S. government has announced a reward of up to 10 million U.S. dollars for information related to the Tai Chang online scam operation based in Myanmar.
The announcement was issued on April 23 by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs under the U.S. Department of State.
The reward is being offered under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) in support of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force.
In its statement, the U.S. government also identified the locations of compounds linked to the Tai Chang scam gang, including precise coordinates.
Three exact locations were named:
the first in the Kyauk Khet area of Myawaddy Township, Karen State, described as the Kyauk Khet Casino or Ko Sai camp;
the second as the Htaik or Chang Su camp;
and the third near the border area between Myawaddy and Hpa-an townships.
These compounds are believed to be heavily involved in digital financial scams, especially crypto-investment trap schemes.
The U.S. government estimates that in 2025 alone, scam syndicates like Tai Chang, backed by broader cross-border criminal networks in Southeast Asia, caused losses of more than $7.2 billion to U.S. citizens.
Those wishing to provide information related to the Tai Chang scam gang may contact the FBI by email at TaiChangTIPS@fbi.gov, or contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The statement said all information provided by tipsters would be kept strictly confidential.
⸻ - Warnings from former U.S. presidents for America’s 250th anniversary
m.CDM, April 24, 2026
As part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, NBC’s Today program conducted special interviews with four former presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.
In the interview program held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the former presidents mainly discussed the future of American democracy, social divisions, and the responsibilities of citizens.
Former President Bill Clinton urged people, saying, “Don’t give up on America,” and warned that the endurance of democracy depends on the choices made by the public.
Former President Joe Biden said that social divisions in the country are not as severe as they appear on social media, and that it remains necessary to continue protecting equal rights for everyone.
Barack Obama emphasized that the core importance of democracy lies in the ability to resolve differences without violence, and commented that if those values can be preserved, the country’s future can be viewed with optimism.
George W. Bush urged citizens to become more actively involved in political and social life and to treat others with equal respect.
The common message from the former presidents was this: the future of American democracy lies in the hands of its citizens, and unity and responsibility are essential.
⸻ - KIA captures a military base in Shwegu
m.CDM, April 24
Some Kachin military sources said that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces captured a military base in Shwegu Township, Kachin State, on the evening of April 23.
The captured base was the military outpost at the Five-Way Junction in Shwegu, and weapons and ammunition were reportedly seized.
According to local sources, fighting had continued for three consecutive days, and the base was captured on the evening of April 23, after which junta soldiers retreated toward Shwegu town.
Earlier that same morning, April 23, the KIA information department had stated that clashes were occurring because the military had begun operations in the Shwegu area, which is under KIA Brigade 11 territory.
The KIA Brigade 11 joint forces reportedly attacked a junta column composed of LIB 56, LIB 602, and battalions 378 and 416 under Division 88.
Military records also indicate that in April this year, clashes between the KIA and junta forces continued in Hpakant Township, and that in the Hukawng region, which is under KIA Brigade 14, clashes also took place between the KIA and the junta-backed Wara Zup militia, with several militia outposts reportedly captured by the KIA.
⸻ - Junta shells IDP camp in Hpakant, killing a child; airstrikes also hit Winta Pan area in Bilin
m.CDM, April 24
Residents said that a child was killed after junta forces shelled an IDP camp located in the Roman Catholic church compound in Nam Hpyit village, Uru Creek headwaters area, Hpakant Township, Kachin State.
At around 10 p.m. on April 23, junta troops and allied militia based at Nagar Yone Pagoda Hill and Hpakant military hill reportedly fired 60 mm mortars indiscriminately.
One of the shells exploded on a building where displaced people were sheltering, striking 13-year-old Maung Swut Jet Aung, who was studying inside, killing him instantly.
Four members of the deceased child’s family were also seriously injured, and his mother Daw Marip Makhine and younger brother Maung Dum Dot Naw Lat were said to be in critical condition.
Locals said the shelling of the IDP camp was retaliation after the KIA had carried out a drone attack on junta troops and militia stationed at Nagar Yone Pagoda.
Similarly, in Mon State, junta forces also carried out aerial bombing on Winta Pan village tract in Bilin Township, within KNU Brigade 1 territory.
On April 22, the junta reportedly dropped as many as 35 bombs from a Y-12 aircraft on Kyauk Phyar village, Winta Pan village, Upper Winta Pan village, and nearby areas.
Earlier, on April 19, the same villages had also been bombed with 26 bombs, causing extensive damage to civilian homes.
At present, KNU allied forces are reportedly trying to capture the junta base in Winta Pan, while the military is said to be targeting villages unrelated to the fighting.
On April 12, KNU allied forces had also captured the Lay Kay outpost, located about 9 miles from the Winta Pan base.
⸻ - Junta column advancing from Launglon toward Nyaung Maw attacked with drone bombs
m.CDM, April 24
It has been reported that a junta column advancing from Launglon town toward Nyaung Maw village in Tanintharyi Region was attacked with drone bombs by resistance allied forces.
The column, estimated at about 150 troops, was attacked twice on April 22:
once at 8:30 a.m.
and once again at 4:30 p.m.,
with a total of six drone bombs dropped.
The attack was jointly carried out by the Launglon Steel Butterfly Force (L.L.S.B.F.) and the Student Revolutionary Force (SRF), and junta troops reportedly suffered casualties.
Since the military may launch another advance at any time, residents were urged to remain alert to military developments and pay close attention to security information.
⸻ - Defense industry factory KaPaSa 24 attacked with short-range missiles and handmade rockets; major buildings reportedly destroyed by fire, says Magway Region PaKaPha
m.CDM, April 24
The Magway Region PaKaPha announced on April 24 that KaPaSa 24, a junta defense industry factory that smelts iron and aluminum used as raw materials in weapons production, was attacked with short-range missiles and handmade rockets, resulting in the destruction by fire of its main buildings.
The announcement said the attack was carried out on April 20 by MGY-30 Special Operations Unit-3 of the Magway Region PaKaPha together with the Taung Nyo Dragon Force LPDF column.
It said the main factory building at KaPaSa 24 caught fire and exploded in the attack, and that the fire incident could be seen on NASA’s Fire Map.
After the factory in Pauk Township was attacked, junta forces reportedly launched airstrikes on nearby villages at around 11 a.m. on April 23, using six jet fighters from the Magway air base, while also simultaneously using artillery and drones.
The PaKaPha statement described KaPaSa 24 as a key pillar of the junta’s weapons production chain, where iron and aluminum are smelted for military raw materials, and also as a temporary strategic base for operations related to Htilin Township in Magway Region and Mindat Township in Chin State.
It also said that the junta has reinforced KaPaSa 24 with large numbers of troops and is preparing to launch columns toward Htilin, Saw, and Kyauk Htu, while repeatedly attacking nearby villages with 122 mm MLRS, 120 mm howitzers, and drones.
For that reason, Magway Region PaKaPha appealed to civilians living near KaPaSa 24 to remain highly alert to both ground and aerial attacks by junta forces.
⸻ - The military’s claim that over 500 PDF members surrendered in Mandalay is only a propaganda event staged with informants and hired people
m.CDM, April 24
According to revolutionary groups and local residents, the junta’s claim that 517 members from more than 50 resistance groups, including PDFs, surrendered is nothing more than fabricated propaganda.
On the morning of April 24, the military held a ceremony at the Central Command Headquarters (LaPaKha) inside the Mandalay Palace compound, claiming to hand over surrendered PDF members to their parents.
The junta stated that the people who surrendered came from around 50 groups, including the KIA, AA, TNLA, Naypyidaw PDF, Mandalay PDF, and PLA, between March 20 and April 24, and that they included 470 men and 47 women, for a total of 517 people.
In response, Bo La Kyar, chief of staff of Naypyidaw PDF, said this was “an event that never happened at all, and is simply enemy propaganda.”
CDM Captain Zin Yaw also said that “a figure like 500 is impossible under any circumstances and is only fabricated military propaganda.”
Members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) also denied on social media that any PLA members were among those who supposedly surrendered.
In addition, one woman identified by junta propaganda media as a defected policewoman named Kyal Sin appeared unlike an actual revolutionary policewoman, with long, decorated fingernails.
Because it would be unrealistic for a woman fighter in the jungle to maintain decorated manicured nails in such conditions, criticism has spread widely that hired people were likely used.
A member of a resistance force from Mattara Township said that those shown at the event were actually military informants, some irrigation department employees, and relatives of defectors who were made to wear PDF uniforms.
It was also reported that on April 19, junta troops took family members of defectors from villages in northern Mattara — including Ukkam, Pwe Sar Kone, Shan Thami Road Junction, Nyaung Oak, Sit Kone, and Sakin — into the palace compound.
After taking them there, they allegedly demanded 50,000 kyats per person to buy PDF uniforms for them to wear, according to a Mattara resident.
These fabrications appeared immediately after junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said on April 20 that PDFs must surrender their weapons within 100 days.
Previously, on March 19, the military had also released another fabricated propaganda claim that 506 PDFs had surrendered in Mandalay Region, despite obvious mistakes in uniforms and insignia.
⸻ - Junta column from Pakokku Division 101 attacked with short-range missiles
m.CDM, April 24
The COBRA ONE resistance group announced that it attacked a junta military column of more than 100 troops that came out from the 101st Light Infantry Division headquarters in Pakokku, Magway Region, using short-range missiles.
The group said that on the morning of April 22, it ambushed the column, which was heading toward Myaing Township, using short-range missiles as well as minefields.
The column reportedly left at 8 a.m. to advance toward Myaing, temporarily stationed at a monastery in Magyi Kan village, and was attacked when it set out again at around 6 p.m.
COBRA ONE said the junta column retreated back to its base camp in In Pin village after the attack.
The attack was carried out by COBRA ONE fighters, though the extent of casualties on the junta side has not yet been confirmed.
⸻ - TRI Strategy appeals to families to support revolutionary fighters without pressuring them so their morale does not weaken
m.CDM, April 24
The People’s Defense Force TRI Strategy has issued an appeal asking family members of revolutionary fighters to support them without putting pressure on them, so that their morale will not weaken.
It said it is deeply grateful to the families who have given their loved ones to the difficult journey of revolution.
It added that since the struggle must continue until the goal is reached, the firm morale of those serving on duty is extremely important.
Therefore, it appealed to families not to interfere in the responsibilities being carried out by fighters, but instead to show the greatest possible understanding and support.
It also urged families to stand by the fighters so they can remain steadfast until the very end, without losing heart because of family pressure.
In addition, TRI Strategy issued a certificate of honor on April 23 to the Amara Soldiers People’s Defense Force, recognizing their contribution.
It said this was in honor of the force’s successful fulfillment of duties assigned while cooperating together with TRI Strategy during the Mogok–Momeik operation.
The statement recognized and recorded the Amara Soldiers PDF’s unity, bravery, and comradeship.
It also said that on the road ahead in the revolution, they will continue to work hand in hand with firm loyalty and comradeship so that they may win victories together.
The news presented here was contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.