Hello, and welcome to m.CDM Domestic News.
Here are today’s main headlines:
1. KIA captures two junta and militia bases in Khaunglanhpu, while the military reinforces troops through the Yaw region after suffering setbacks in southern Chin State.
2. Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) pays tribute to resistance fighters killed in the recent battle in Chauk Township.
3. Resistance forces attack two junta bases west of Madaya, inflicting heavy casualties on military troops while losing one fighter.
4. NUG urges residents in central and southern Rakhine State to prepare for continued heavy rain, flooding, and possible diarrheal disease outbreaks.
We begin with our top story.
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1. KIA captures two junta bases in Khaunglanhpu as military reinforces southern Chin front
m.CDM | July 12
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) says it seized two junta and militia outposts in Khaunglanhpu, Putao District, Kachin State, during an offensive launched on the morning of July 10.
According to reports, more than 20 junta soldiers and militia members were killed, while the remaining troops abandoned their positions. KIA forces reportedly captured around 20 firearms, large quantities of ammunition and supplies, and took several militia members prisoner.
Fighting also continues daily in Shwegu Township, within KIA Brigade 11 territory, where the military is reportedly sending continuous reinforcements from Mabein Township.
Meanwhile, resistance sources say the junta is reinforcing troops through the Yaw region after suffering losses during its offensive in southern Chin State. On July 12, around 70 soldiers and a military vehicle carrying drones reportedly moved toward Pon Taung Nat Htate, where more than 150 junta troops are believed to be stationed.
Additional columns from Defense Industries Factory No. 24 have also taken positions along the Yaw route, while advance troops are moving toward Saw Township, where clashes with resistance forces continue.
The military is also reportedly preparing to deploy reinforcements from the 101st and 99th Light Infantry Divisions, with plans to increase troop strength in the Yaw and southern Chin regions to around 3,000 soldiers.
Resistance groups have warned civilians to avoid military movements and remain alert for possible airstrikes.
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2. NUG Defense Ministry honors resistance fighters killed in Chauk battle
m.CDM | July 12
Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defense has issued a statement honoring resistance fighters from Magway District who were killed during fighting in Chauk Township.
The ministry released an image featuring 20 white stars in remembrance of the approximately 20 People’s Defense Force (PDF) members who died in the July 10 battle near Taung Thar village.
Although the NUG has not yet released detailed information about the engagement, local sources say the fighters were attempting to intercept a junta column before being captured and killed.
Across several resistance-controlled areas, PDF units have held memorial ceremonies, including gun salutes and lowering resistance flags to half-mast.
Commanders from other resistance forces also paid tribute, pledging to continue the struggle until military rule is defeated.
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3. Resistance attacks two junta bases west of Madaya
m.CDM | July 12
Resistance forces launched simultaneous attacks on two junta positions near Thae Inn and Shin Hla Taung villages in western Madaya Township, Mandalay Region.
The coordinated assault took place on June 27. Resistance groups say many junta troops were killed at the Thae Inn base before survivors retreated.
At the Shin Hla Taung position, only two soldiers reportedly remained alive before junta reinforcements arrived, forcing resistance fighters to withdraw before fully capturing the camp.
One resistance fighter was killed during the operation, while the remaining forces withdrew safely.
The attacks reportedly caused significant disruption among junta forces, prompting them to rapidly strengthen nearby positions.
The operation involved the Madaya Township People’s Defense Team, Pyin Oo Lwin District Battalion 1, Mandalay District resistance forces, and the NMD unit.
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4. Junta burns displacement shelters and carries out airstrikes in Sagaing and Magway
m.CDM | July 12
Local monitoring groups report that junta forces have burned shelters for internally displaced people and carried out aerial attacks in Wetlet and Kani townships in Sagaing Region.
On July 12, troops stationed in Shar Kwe village allegedly set fire to displacement shelters west of the village. Earlier this month, soldiers also burned civilian homes in Thit Seik village.
In Kani Township, a military column that has been operating since late April continues to occupy Chaung Ma village while carrying out drone strikes on nearby communities.
More than ten villages remain displaced, with residents still unable to return home and facing urgent shortages of food and medicine. On July 11, an Mi-35 attack helicopter also reportedly bombed areas near displacement sites between Zee Pin Twin and Aung Mingalar villages.
In neighboring Magway Region, military columns operating in Pauk and Myaing townships have reportedly burned civilian homes, received supplies by air, and continued airstrikes using Yak-130 and JF-17 aircraft. Local residents have been warned to remain on high alert due to ongoing shelling and the risk of further air attacks.
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5. Rights group says military-transferred prison officer led assault on political prisoners
m.CDM | July 12
The Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM) says the assault on political prisoners at Mandalay’s Obo Central Prison was led by Chief Officer Than Myat Soe, who was transferred from the military.
According to PPNM, prison officials beat 15 political prisoners on July 2, with three later placed in solitary confinement.
The incident reportedly began after prison authorities forcibly confiscated personal bedding previously purchased by prisoners. When inmates questioned the action, officials allegedly demanded they sign statements agreeing not to use the bedding again.
Several prisoners who refused, including former student union leader Ko Aung Myo, were reportedly beaten, along with others who attempted to intervene.
PPNM says prison authorities have denied adequate medical treatment to injured prisoners and called for the immediate release of those held in solitary confinement and access to proper healthcare.
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6. APHR urges ASEAN not to legitimize Myanmar’s military
m.CDM | July 12
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) has urged ASEAN not to engage in discussions that could be interpreted as legitimizing Myanmar’s military authorities.
The appeal comes ahead of an informal meeting in Thailand between ASEAN’s Special Envoy, Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, and Myanmar’s junta-appointed foreign minister.
APHR Chairperson Mercy Chriesty Barends warned ASEAN against falling into what she described as the military’s political trap, arguing that the regional bloc has repeatedly accommodated the junta instead of holding it accountable for abuses against the Myanmar people.
The group called for a stronger framework than ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, including clear benchmarks, timelines, and consequences for non-compliance.
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7. ULA/AA and aid groups assist flood victims in Rakhine State
m.CDM | July 12
The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) and local humanitarian organizations continue providing emergency assistance to flood-affected communities in Minbya, Ponnagyun, and Mrauk-U townships.
On July 11, ULA/AA delivered 400 bags of rice, drinking water, and ready-to-eat food to at least ten flooded villages in Minbya Township.
Families in Ponnagyun also received evacuation assistance, food, and clean water, while a local charity distributed food and cash assistance to 78 displaced households in Mrauk-U.
Although basic food supplies are currently available, aid workers say significant shortages remain in healthcare services and essential medicines.
Heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding across Rakhine State, further worsening conditions for people already displaced by conflict.
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8. NUG warns of continued heavy rain and disease risks in Rakhine
m.CDM | July 12
The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has urged residents in central and southern Rakhine State to prepare for continued heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and outbreaks of diarrheal disease.
The ministry said strong monsoon conditions continue over the Bay of Bengal and forecast that a low-pressure system could develop near India’s eastern coast around July 16, bringing additional rainfall to the region.
Residents are advised to prepare for flooding and take precautions against waterborne diseases.
The Arakan Public Health Department has also urged people to pay close attention to personal and family hygiene. It says emergency medical teams are providing medicines, field treatment, disease prevention activities, and patient transfers in affected areas.
People facing urgent medical emergencies have been encouraged to contact the department through its official Telegram channel for assistance.
These reports were contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.