Hello, and welcome to m.CDM’s domestic news roundup. Today’s main stories include:
* Resistance forces reportedly shot down a military Mi-17 helicopter in Myaing Township using a suicide drone.
* A junta strategic command post in Mindon was hit by drone attacks, causing around 30 casualties, while the Arakan Army (AA) captured a military hilltop base in Yekyi.
* Four civilians were killed in artillery and drone attacks in Bilin, Kanpetlet, and Singu, while five civilians, including a mentally ill man, were allegedly executed by junta troops in Myaing.
* Political prisoners inside Obo Prison successfully held a birthday commemoration for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, while her 81st birthday was also marked in Norway.
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1. Military Mi-17 Helicopter Reportedly Downed in Myaing Township
According to Magway-PDF, resistance forces successfully brought down a junta Mi-17 transport helicopter in Myaing Township, Pakokku District, Magway Region, on June 23.
The helicopter was reportedly struck by a suicide drone during a coordinated operation. Resistance groups claimed that the military suffered casualties, with further details expected to be released later.
The operation involved Pakokku, Pauk, and Myaing People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), Minbu District Battalion No. 4 trainees, MGY-PDF, Anyar Fighter Local Force, and the Saga Kyar Guerrilla Force.
The resistance groups also urged civilians and revolutionary fighters to remain vigilant against ongoing military air attacks.
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2. Drone Strike on Junta Base in Mindon; AA Captures Hilltop Base in Yekyi
A junta strategic command post near Thaphan Yaung, Wetkaw, and Pyaung villages in Mindon Township, Thayet District, Magway Region, was reportedly attacked by AA drones on June 21.
Sources said around 30 junta personnel were killed or wounded and had to be transported to Mindon Hospital.
Despite repeated reinforcement attempts, junta troops have reportedly suffered heavy losses due to AA ambushes, sniper attacks, and drone strikes, forcing retreats from operations along the Rakhine Yoma mountain range.
Separately, the AA announced the capture of the military’s “188 Hill Base” in Yekyi Township, Pathein District, Ayeyarwady Region, on June 20.
Weapons, ammunition, drone-jamming equipment, Starlink communication devices, and military casualties were reportedly found at the site.
Fighting remains intense along the border areas of Thabaung and Yekyi Townships, where AA, PDF, and local defense forces continue clashes with junta troops.
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3. Junta Convoy Hit by Landmine Attack in Chauk Township
A military convoy of approximately 100 troops was attacked by resistance forces in Chauk Township, Magway Region, according to Chauk PDF.
The ambush occurred on June 20 along Union Highway No. 3 against a convoy consisting of one double-cab vehicle and six military trucks traveling from Kyaukpadaung.
The operation was conducted jointly by Chauk PDF, Magway District PDF, Nyaung-U District Battalion 4, and the Ayeyar Daung Federal Unit Force.
Resistance groups reported that seven soldiers riding in the double-cab vehicle were killed instantly, while an additional seven to ten soldiers were seriously wounded during subsequent small-arms fire.
No casualties were reported among resistance fighters.
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4. Attack on Military Checkpoint in Chauk Leaves Casualties
Resistance alliance forces also launched a surprise attack on the Kyauk Hte junction checkpoint in Chauk Township on June 20.
According to Chauk PDF, two soldiers were killed and six others seriously wounded during approximately 30 minutes of fighting.
The operation involved Chauk PDF, Magway District PDF units, Chauk Special Attack Force, Ayeyar Daung Federal Unit Force, and Tiger Fighter Force.
Resistance fighters reportedly withdrew without casualties after completing the mission.
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5. Nine Civilians Killed in Military Attacks and Executions
Across Mon State, Chin State, Mandalay Region, and Magway Region, military artillery fire, drone strikes, and alleged executions resulted in the deaths of nine civilians, including children and a pregnant woman.
In Bilin Township, Mon State, junta forces reportedly shelled Panti Kone Village without any active fighting. A woman six months pregnant with twins and an 11-year-old girl were killed, while two others, including a seven-year-old child, were injured.
In Singu Township, Mandalay Region, artillery shells fired by military forces reportedly landed in Myay Nu Village, injuring six civilians.
In Kanpetlet Township, Chin State, a drone strike on an internally displaced persons (IDP) shelter reportedly killed a two-year-old child and the child’s mother, while three others were wounded.
Meanwhile, in southern Myaing Township, combined columns from Divisions 99 and 101 allegedly arrested and executed five civilians from several villages, including a mentally ill resident.
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6. Sagaing Interim Government Working on Regional Education Policy
Dr. Tin Aung Moe, Education Minister of the Sagaing Federal Unit Interim Government, said efforts are underway to establish an education policy tailored specifically to the needs of Sagaing Region.
Speaking during a June 21 meeting with the Civil Disobedience Movement Civil Servants Council of the Sagaing Federal Unit (CCSC-SFU), he explained that the policy would be based on the Federal Democracy Education Policy (FDEP) and recommendations from the Interim Federal Education Council (IFEC).
The ministry also plans to collaborate with IFEC on educational awareness programs and future reforms.
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7. Inle PDF Warns of Military Entrapment Operations
Inle PDF Battalion 1009 warned that junta forces are allegedly using the mobile phones of captured resistance fighters to lure and arrest other revolution supporters.
The warning followed the arrest of a former CDM healthcare worker on June 19. The individual is reportedly being detained and interrogated at military intelligence facilities in Taunggyi.
According to the group, two previously captured PDF members are being forced to contact fellow resistance members and associates as part of entrapment operations.
The public and resistance members have been urged to treat calls or meeting requests from detained fighters’ phones with extreme caution and relocate immediately if contacted.
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8. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Birthday Commemorated in Prison and Abroad
Political prisoners inside Obo Central Prison in Mandalay reportedly held a successful celebration marking Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 81st birthday.
Despite strict prison conditions, inmates shared food packages and coffee sent by family members and held prayer ceremonies calling for the release of political prisoners.
In Norway, a separate commemoration and advocacy event for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release was held at the Aung San Suu Kyi Freedom Memorial Park in Froland.
Myanmar communities from Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Finland, England, India, and Italy participated. NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung attended, while Suu Kyi’s son, Kim Aris, sent a recorded message.
Participants also observed an “81-second silent tribute” and raised funds for political prisoners and displaced civilians.
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9. Calls for Suu Kyi’s Release During International Football Event
Myanmar activists attending an international football match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 22 called for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.
Participants wore shirts bearing Suu Kyi’s image and displayed banners reading “Free Aung San Suu Kyi and All Political Prisoners” while making the three-finger salute.
Organizers said security personnel initially objected but later allowed the campaign after receiving an explanation about Suu Kyi’s detention and unknown whereabouts.
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10. OHCHR Says Local Groups Are Filling Civilian Protection Role
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated that local civil society organizations and community-based administrations in Myanmar are increasingly taking on civilian protection responsibilities due to ongoing military attacks.
In a report released on June 22, OHCHR warned that reductions in international assistance threaten the sustainability of these local protection mechanisms.
The report documented at least 702 civilian deaths during a six-month reporting period, including 476 deaths caused by airstrikes. Among 111 people killed ahead of the military-planned election period were 43 women and 10 children.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access to civilians in need of food, clean water, medicine, and essential services.
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These reports were contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.