Hello everyone. Starting now, we will present the latest domestic news from m.CDM.
Today’s headlines include:
- The NUG Acting President says the National Unity Government is firmly fighting alongside the People’s Defense Force to completely eradicate military dictatorship.
- NUG announces it will award four types of honors and medals to mark the 5th anniversary of the PDF.
- Two military bases in Shwe Kyin and Bilin were captured in April; 32 junta troops were killed and 24 captured alive.
- AA Commander-in-Chief says there will be no talks with a military council that continues bombing civilians.
We will also cover other related news.
⸻ - NUG Acting President: Fighting decisively to uproot military dictatorship
m.CDM, May 5
The National Unity Government (NUG), together with the People’s Defense Force (PDF), is firmly engaged in the fight to completely dismantle the military dictatorship, according to Acting President Duwa Lashi La.
He made the remarks in a speech marking the 5th anniversary of the founding of the PDF on May 5.
The Acting President said the PDF was born from the people and has endured a कठिन revolutionary journey alongside political ups and downs.
“Our People’s Defense Force has achieved unprecedented milestones in armed resistance history. However, we must recognize that we have not yet reached the ultimate goal desired by the entire জনগ,” he said.
He acknowledged ongoing political challenges and some military setbacks.
He emphasized that revolutions naturally involve ups and downs, including advancing two steps forward and one step back amid political storms.
He urged not to ignore realities on the ground nor lose sight of the ultimate goal.
All PDF members, as revolutionary fighters, must strengthen their knowledge and resilience while courageously continuing the struggle, he stressed.
The NUG, as a people’s government, pledged to continue leading the revolution alongside the PDF until the military dictatorship is completely eliminated.
⸻ - Defense Minister: Time to assess weaknesses and learn lessons
m.CDM, May 5
NUG Defense Minister U Yee Mon said it is time for the five-year-old People’s Defense Force to critically assess its weaknesses and shortcomings and learn from them.
In a message marking the PDF’s 5th anniversary, he stated:
“While we should take pride in our achievements and strengths, this is also the time to critically examine our weaknesses and correct them.”
He noted that despite facing many ups and downs, the revolution has gained valuable experience necessary to achieve victory.
He acknowledged that lapses in discipline in some areas have affected public trust to some extent, but overall public support nationwide remains strong.
He stressed the importance of:
- unity within the forces
- strong alliances
- strategic military operations
He also emphasized building a capable and disciplined force while strengthening funding and weapons acquisition.
He added that despite challenges, including temporary withdrawals from some captured towns, they will overcome difficulties through determination, conviction, and collective strength.
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- NUG to award honors and medals for PDF anniversary
m.CDM, May 5
The NUG announced it will confer honors and medals to mark the 5th anniversary of the PDF.
The awards include four categories:
- People’s Revolutionary Excellence Title
- People’s Revolutionary Hero Title
- People’s Martyr Medal
- People’s Good Citizen Medal
Verification processes are currently underway, and award dates will be announced later. The program is intended to be held annually.
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- AA Chief: No talks while civilians are being bombed
m.CDM, May 5
In an interview with The Diplomat, Arakan Army (AA) Commander-in-Chief Major General Tun Myat Naing said political dialogue is extremely difficult as long as the military continues bombing civilians.
He stressed that civilian safety is the AA’s top priority and that efforts are ongoing to protect civilians, though international cooperation has not yet been effective.
“As long as the military continues aerial attacks on civilians, meaningful political dialogue will remain very difficult,” he said.
He rejected pressure-based negotiations and urged focusing on realistic, inclusive dialogue grounded in facts on the ground.
He also commented that China’s pressure to halt fighting is driven by its own interests and desire for stability.
He expressed respect for the NUG’s role and emphasized that the outcome of the Spring Revolution cannot be determined by any single group alone.
He highlighted the need to consider the broader জনগ and regional dynamics.
⸻ - Two military bases captured; casualties reported
m.CDM, May 5
Joint forces of the PDF, special regional units, and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) successfully captured two military bases in April:
- Let Yet base in Shwe Kyin Township (Bago Region)
- Lay Kay base in Bilin Township (Mon State)
During follow-up operations: - 7 junta troops were killed
- 18 captured, including a deputy battalion commander
Weapons and ammunition, including artillery shells, were seized.
Additional clashes resulted in: - 25 junta troops killed
- around 30 wounded
A total of 24 prisoners of war are being held and treated according to international standards.
The military has since carried out airstrikes in surrounding villages. A helicopter was reportedly shot down on April 26.
⸻
- Heavy fighting in Hpakant; 15 junta troops killed
m.CDM, May 5
Clashes between junta forces and KIA-led allied forces intensified in Lone Khin village tract, Hpakant Township, Kachin State.
- 15 junta troops were killed
- weapons and bodies were seized
Artillery shelling from military positions caused fires and damage to homes.
Previous shelling also injured a man and a child.
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- Ambush on advancing junta column; Maw Luu retaken
m.CDM, May 5
A junta column advancing toward Maw Luu town (on the Sagaing–Kachin border) was ambushed by KIA and PDF joint forces.
- The column (around 500 troops) suffered heavy casualties
- large amounts of weapons were seized
Despite losses, junta forces entered and regained control of Maw Luu on May 5.
Civilians from nearby villages have fled due to the offensive.
Maw Luu had previously been captured by resistance forces in December 2023.
⸻
- Civilian casualties from military attacks
m.CDM, May 5
Military airstrikes and shelling in Kyaukkyi Township (Bago Region) and Ye Township (Mon State) resulted in:
- a 70-year-old man killed
- one civilian injured
Homes and a monastery were also damaged by artillery and drone attacks.
⸻
- 5th anniversary ceremony held in Myingyan District
m.CDM, May 5
The 5th anniversary of NPDF battalions 4 and 10 in Myingyan District was commemorated.
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These reports were contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.