Hello, and welcome. Starting now, we will present m.CDM domestic news updates.
Today’s headlines include:
1. The NUG Ministry of Human Rights says basic military code of conduct and international humanitarian law training sessions were successfully held in Sagaing Region.
2. Chin force CNO/CNDF supplied graduating trainees with drones, heavy weapons, sniper rifles, and ammunition.
3. A military council column was attacked near the entrance to Hakha, leaving 15 soldiers, including an officer, dead.
4. Other reports include the banning of theatrical performances in Launglon Township for security reasons, and the conditional reauthorization of Starlink internet service in Saw Township.
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1. NUG Human Rights Ministry says military code of conduct and international humanitarian law training held in Sagaing Region
m.CDM, May 16
The National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Human Rights announced that a training course on the basic military Code of Conduct (COC) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) was successfully conducted in Sagaing Region during March.
According to the ministry, 20 trainees from local areas attended the course, where they systematically studied fundamental human rights principles, prevention of gender-based violence, and rules that must be followed during armed conflict.
One trainee said:
“Previously, when taking part in the revolution, we only knew we had to defeat the enemy. After attending this training, we learned that even in defeating the enemy, it must be done systematically and with respect for human rights. Only then can we build the federal democratic nation we aspire to.”
The ministry stated that although the training had to be conducted cautiously due to security concerns and faced communication and technical difficulties, the enthusiasm of the trainees helped ensure its successful completion.
The ministry also explained that the training is part of a three-year awareness program in which trained human rights personnel further share their knowledge with local communities and armed resistance groups.
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2. Former CDF-Hakha vice chairman Salai Sang Ling killed in shooting between officers
m.CDM, May 16
A shooting incident reportedly broke out among leaders within the CDF-Hakha force based in Hakha Township, Chin State, resulting in the death of former vice chairman Salai Sang Ling.
According to reports, the incident occurred on May 15 after a personal dispute between current General Secretary Salai Za Cung Lian and Salai Sang Ling escalated, leading Salai Za Cung Lian to open fire.
Sources close to the group said it was not a mutual exchange of gunfire, though the exact cause of the dispute remains unclear.
CNF spokesperson Salai Htet Ni confirmed that resolving internal disagreements through armed violence is a matter requiring accountability.
Salai Sang Ling was formerly a civil engineering student who actively led anti-coup protests in Hakha after the military takeover. He later helped establish CDF-Hakha and served as brigade commander and vice chairman until 2025, personally participating in numerous frontline battles.
CDF-Hakha has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
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3. Chin force CNO/CNDF supplies graduating soldiers with drones, heavy weapons, and sniper rifles
m.CDM, May 16
The Chin National Organization/Chin National Defence Force (CNO/CNDF) announced that it has provided heavy weapons, drones, sniper rifles, and ammunition needed for military operations.
The announcement accompanied news of the graduation ceremony for Basic Military Training Course No. 2/2026, held on May 15 at a military training school.
The ceremony was attended by the CNO/CNDF defense secretary and deputy chief of staff, who encouraged the graduating soldiers.
According to the statement, the graduates will serve in Battalion No. 1 of the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF), fighting for Chin State, the Chin people, and the public.
The group said the trainees were supplied with operational equipment including artillery weapons, drones, sniper rifles, and ammunition.
CNO/CNDF is a member of the Chin Brotherhood alliance. In April 2025, allied Chin forces captured Falam Township, but the military later launched major offensives supported by airstrikes beginning in October 2025 to retake northern Chin areas. By late April this year, the military had regained control of Falam.
Military reports say that during more than six months of fighting, military junta forces suffered between 300 and 500 casualties, while Chin allied forces captured over 200 weapons. However, Chin resistance fighters from both the Chin Brotherhood and Chinland Council also suffered casualties.
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4. Military column attacked near Hakha entrance, 15 soldiers including officer reportedly killed
m.CDM, May 16
A military council column advancing from Falam toward Hakha in Chin State was reportedly attacked near Chun Cung village, resulting in the deaths of 11 soldiers, including an officer.
The attack reportedly occurred on May 15 when Chinland Council and Chin National Army (CNA) joint forces carried out sniper attacks on the column positioned between Chun Cung village and Hakha.
A CNA spokesperson said eyewitnesses confirmed that 11 soldiers, including a battalion-level officer, were killed.
Similarly, on May 14, Chin revolutionary forces reportedly ambushed another military unit traveling from Hakha to reinforce the column near Hkyaut Lam Sone junction.
According to CNA, four junta soldiers were killed in that clash, while four officers including a strategic commander were wounded.
Following the attacks, junta forces allegedly retaliated by burning Chun Cung village for two consecutive days on May 14 and 15, destroying 23 civilian homes.
The military column of around 300 troops, which advanced toward Hakha after retaking Falam, has reportedly faced repeated ambushes and remains stalled near Chun Cung village without reaching Hakha.
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5. Alleged military informant linked to battle where nine PDF members died shot dead in Kawthaung
m.CDM, May 16
The Kawthaung Township People’s Defense Team announced that U Soe Htike, the village administrator of Aye Mya Tharyar village and an alleged key supporter of the military junta, was shot dead after attempting to escape during interrogation.
On May 13 at around 1:45 p.m., resistance forces stopped and searched his vehicle based on intelligence information.
During the search, they reportedly found 10 revolutionary-style uniforms, three pairs of combat boots, eight insignias, and one bulletproof vest. U Soe Htike allegedly admitted the items were being delivered to Military Operations Command No. 20.
Resistance forces also said evidence found on his phone indicated he had provided information on resistance groups to the military and assisted with transporting supplies and weapons.
Authorities further claimed he confessed to personally guiding junta troops during the March 4, 2023 battle in Wine Dine village, Khamaukgyi Township, where nine PDF fighters were killed.
According to the statement, he requested permission to use the toilet during interrogation and then attempted to flee from guards, leading to a shooting in which he was fatally wounded.
The Kawthaung Township People’s Defense Team warned civilians to avoid associating with the military junta and its affiliates and to remain vigilant about security.
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6. FPV drone attacks launched against junta troops in Takong, Htigyaing, Indaw, and Katha battlefields
m.CDM, May 16
The People’s Defense Force released video footage showing FPV drone strikes against military junta troops operating in Takong, Htigyaing, Indaw, and Katha operational areas.
The resistance said the attacks have inflicted severe losses on junta forces.
According to the statement, the military has been using newly conscripted soldiers as human shields during offensives, but revolutionary forces continue to launch strong counterattacks, causing heavy casualties.
The People’s Defense Force also stated that it is continuing efforts to build a disciplined and reliable military trusted by the public.
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7. Four soldiers killed in clashes on Nyaung-U–Nga Thayauk road
m.CDM, May 16
Earthquake People’s Defense Force released video documentation stating that four junta soldiers were killed during clashes on the Nyaung-U–Nga Thayauk road in Mandalay Region.
The clashes occurred on May 13 when approximately 120 junta troops advanced into Nyaung-U Township.
Two separate engagements reportedly took place along the road, lasting about three hours.
The resistance force stated that four soldiers were killed, several others injured, and ammunition along with military equipment was seized.
The operation was jointly carried out by Pakokku District Local Battalion PDLB, 21 Bagan-People Defense Force, Good Brothers, DYT guerrilla force, Bagan Garuda Force, and Earthquake People’s Defense Force.
Local resistance groups urged civilians to stay alert regarding the country’s current political and military situation.
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8. Salin Pa Ka Pha provides aid to nearly 200 households affected by military arson
m.CDM, May 16
Salin Township People’s Defense Organization announced that it provided rice, money, and clothing assistance to nearly 200 households from two villages destroyed by military arson attacks in Magway Region.
Each affected household reportedly received two baskets of rice, 10,000 kyats, and clothing.
The aid distribution was carried out over two days with assistance from village-level Pa Ka Pha relief coordinators and Salin Township resistance members.
Earlier, township relief officials also reportedly provided over two million kyats worth of food and supplies to displaced civilians whose homes were destroyed during military operations.
The organization urged supporters inside and outside the country to continue helping fire victims, as many needs remain unmet.
Those wishing to donate were directed to contact the Salin People’s Defense Organization through its Telegram channels.
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9. Launglon bans theatrical performances; Saw Township conditionally restores Starlink service
m.CDM, May 16
Authorities in Launglon Township, Tanintharyi Region, and Saw Township, Magway Region, issued separate administrative orders on May 15 related to regional security and information control.
In Launglon Township, all theatrical performances and large public entertainment events were banned starting May 15 due to security concerns and the current revolutionary situation.
Officials warned that organizers violating the ban would face effective legal action under existing laws.
Meanwhile, in Saw Township, authorities conditionally restored Starlink internet services that had previously been suspended during military offensives, in order to allow civilians access to information.
However, regulations were also imposed on providers and users, including:
* Internet cards may only be sold to local residents.
* Sales to travelers and visitors are prohibited.
* Displaced persons may purchase access only through homeowners or village officials.
* Detailed sales records must be maintained.
* Users are prohibited from posting information online regarding displaced persons’ locations, military news, divisive content, or material that could incite ethnic conflict.
Authorities warned that violations could result in Starlink equipment being confiscated and further legal action.
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10. Three family members of retired soldiers arrested over alleged information leaks at Pathein regional military headquarters
m.CDM, May 16
According to the Pathein Special Intelligence Force, three male family members of retired military personnel were arrested by the junta over alleged internal information leaks at the Southwestern Regional Military Command headquarters in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region.
The arrests reportedly occurred during the second week of May, when military intelligence officers accused the men of passing information to resistance groups.
Reports also indicate growing dissatisfaction within military ranks in Ayeyarwady Region as junta forces reportedly withdraw from several areas.
In particular, soldiers from Infantry Battalion 38 reportedly wish to retreat to rear positions but have been prevented from doing so because of discriminatory treatment by regional commanders between infantry and rapid-response units.
Additionally, Artillery Battalion 344 based in Yekyi is reportedly at risk of surrendering to Arakan Army (AA) and allied resistance forces, while some troops have already deserted.
Due to concerns over the deteriorating situation, Deputy Regional Commander Ye Lin Aung reportedly returned to headquarters on the morning of May 15 to urgently brief Regional Commander Aung Kyaw Khaing.
These news reports were contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.