Hello. From now on, we will be presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
Today’s headlines include: the death of NLD political prisoner Ko Htay Aung Naing in Pyay Prison after allegedly being denied timely medical care; junta airstrikes in KNU areas and southern Chin State; resistance attacks in Magway, Sagaing, and Rakhine; forced conscripts defecting to resistance forces; AA releasing prisoners for Eid; warnings for civilians in Kani Township; and aid for displaced people in Magway and Shwebo.
- NLD political prisoner dies in Pyay Prison
Ko Htay Aung Naing, a 49-year-old NLD member from Pyay, Bago Region, died from coronary heart disease while being detained in Pyay Prison, according to the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar. He was arrested at home on November 30, 2023, and sentenced by a prison court to 15 years in prison on January 17, 2024.
He reportedly suffered severe constipation, chest tightness, and shortness of breath on May 21. Although he was transferred to Pyay’s 500-bed hospital the next morning, he died around 11 a.m. on May 22. PPNM condemned the prison authorities and the military, saying they were responsible for denying timely and proper medical treatment. - Junta airstrikes in KNU areas; PNO accused of torture in Hsihseng
In KNU Brigade 6’s Kyaikdon area and Brigade 4’s Le Mu Lah Township, junta airstrikes killed three women and injured another. At least three homes and buildings were damaged. In Le Mu Lah, junta aircraft also dropped two 500-pound bombs on Hpar Kwin village, damaging a preschool building.
In southern Shan State’s Hsihseng Township, the junta-backed PNO militia allegedly arrested three villagers in Pin Nyo village for failing to pay extortion money. One villager, U Khun Maung Lwan, was reportedly beaten so severely that one of his arms became infected and had to be amputated. - Heavy junta airstrikes in Mindat, Kanpetlet, and Matupi
The Chin People’s Organization reported that the junta carried out at least 25 airstrikes in 10 days across Mindat, Kanpetlet, and Matupi in southern Chin State. Two civilians, including a four-day-old infant, were killed, and many homes, shops, and public buildings were damaged.
Local sources said the junta continued air operations on May 23 and 24, including dropping ammunition and supplies for its columns in Kanpetlet. Residents were urged to avoid gatherings, prepare bomb shelters, and closely monitor drone and aircraft movements. - Teen killed in airstrike on Wuntho village
In Wuntho Township, Sagaing Region, a 14-year-old displaced boy was killed and a monk and two other teenagers were seriously injured when junta aircraft bombed Saltwin village on May 23. Local defense forces said the attack targeted a monastery despite no fighting taking place in the area.
The monastery buildings, rest houses, and nearby IDP shelters were damaged. Local groups urged civilians to build strong shelters and remain alert. - Resistance forces seize Thayet Kan village and clash with junta in Katha and Kyaukphyu
Resistance forces reportedly captured the Pyu Saw Htee village of Thayet Kan in Myaing Township, Magway Region, after fighting from the night of May 21 to noon on May 22. Around 40 junta soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee members were captured alive.
In Katha, Sagaing Region, KIA-led forces ambushed three junta vehicles near Pin Malut village on May 24, reportedly killing 13 soldiers and seizing weapons and equipment.
In Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State, fighting near the Taung Maw Oo naval base has intensified. The Arakan Army reportedly seized bodies, prisoners of war, weapons, and ammunition, while some junta troops allegedly surrendered. - Eight forced conscripts defect in Tanintharyi and Pakokku
Six conscripts from Infantry Battalion 558 in Tanintharyi fled on May 21 and surrendered without weapons to Myeik District Battalion 3 on May 23. They said 55 trainees remained at the battalion, including six minors aged 16.
Two more conscripts from Light Infantry Battalion 252 under Division 101 in Pakokku also defected to COBRA ONE Pakokku. Resistance groups warned civilians to be cautious, saying the junta is forcibly recruiting civilians and sending them to front lines. - AA releases prisoners for Eid
The Arakan Army reportedly released prisoners, POWs, and family members from Mrauk-U District on May 23 to mark Eid al-Adha. Those released included nine POWs, 14 POW family members, 10 Muslim prisoners, and 24 civilian prisoners.
AA officials and Muslim community leaders attended the ceremony. Each released prisoner was reportedly given 100,000 kyats. AA had previously released 21 POWs and civilian prisoners during its 17th anniversary in April. - Kani authorities warn civilians to stay three miles from junta columns
The Kani Township Emergency Administration Central Committee under the NUG warned civilians to stay at least three miles away from junta columns. The warning applies especially to areas near the Kani–Chaungma and Monywa–Chaungma–Yargyi roads.
Junta columns have reportedly been operating in Kani Township since April 28. Around 90 of the township’s 210 villages have lost phone connections, and nearly 25,000 people from 28 villages have been displaced. - Myanmar among 88 countries backing UN civilian protection pledge
At UN headquarters in New York, Protection of Civilians Week was held from May 18 to 22. On May 21, Switzerland, OCHA, and civil society groups issued a joint pledge on protecting civilians amid reform and resource constraints.
Myanmar was among 88 UN member states supporting the pledge, which emphasized civilian protection as both a legal and moral obligation. The statement also called for humanitarian access, accountability for violations, and flexible funding for local protection groups. - Youths warned of abduction risks in Mandalay and Kalay
Voice of Mandalay warned that an online account allegedly used by a woman in Mandalay has been luring young men to meetings and handing them over to junta and Pyu Saw Htee forces. At least five victims have reportedly been identified.
In Kalay, Sagaing Region, junta forces are reportedly abducting youths from streets using civilian cars and plainclothes personnel. Families are allegedly forced to pay between 3 million and 6 million kyats for release, while those unable to pay are sent to military training camps. - Aid provided to displaced people in Magway and Shwebo
The Magway Federal Unit Government provided rice and cash assistance to displaced people in Magway Region on May 22, with support from donors and Clean Yangon. Officials from the NUG and Magway interim government joined the aid effort.
In Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, the local strike committee provided free healthcare to displaced people and villagers in hard-to-reach areas. The group is also helping build toilets, dig water ponds, and run mobile libraries and reading circles.
These reports were provided by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.