Hello and welcome to m.CDM Domestic News.
Today’s main stories include:
- A political prisoner serving a 164-year sentence dies in Obo Prison.
- Five junta soldiers are killed and nine injured in fighting in Thaton; troops later burn civilian goods and two cargo trucks.
- Junta columns operating in Myaing and Pauk allegedly kill 24 civilians within two months.
- Tamu emergency administrators urge residents to temporarily relocate because of intense fighting.
We will also report several other developments.
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- Political prisoner serving 164-year sentence dies in Obo Prison
m.CDM — 22 July
The Political Prisoners Network–Myanmar, or PPNM, reported that political prisoner Ko Hlaing Bwar died on the night of 20 July while being held in Mandalay’s Obo Prison. He had been sentenced to a total of 164 years in prison.
The 42-year-old was an NLD member from Maha Aungmyay Township in Mandalay Region. Junta forces arrested him on 12 May 2023 and charged him in several townships under multiple provisions of the Counter-Terrorism Law, including Sections 54(a), 51(c), and 52(a).
He was held in the prison’s death-row section. After his health deteriorated, he was transferred to the prison hospital in May 2025. He was admitted again on 9 July 2026 and reportedly suffered severe vomiting of blood on 18 July.
He was not transferred to Mandalay General Hospital until the following day. Even there, he was reportedly kept in a basement detention cell and did not receive medical treatment until the morning of 20 July. He died later that evening.
PPNM said political prisoners continue to die because of inadequate medical care and delays in hospital transfers. It said both the junta and prison authorities must be held responsible for these human-rights violations.
According to PPNM records, nearly 150 political prisoners have died since 2021 because of inadequate healthcare in detention.
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- KHRG urges KNU to create livelihood opportunities for displaced women
m.CDM — 22 July
The Karen Human Rights Group, or KHRG, released a report documenting the experiences of women displaced in Karen areas since the military coup.
The report said armed conflict, airstrikes, and human-rights violations have caused continued mass displacement, with women facing particularly severe consequences.
Displaced women often have to support their families, care for children, and earn income at the same time. Many have lost access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, while facing increased risks of gender-based violence and insecurity.
KHRG noted that Karen women had already experienced displacement for decades before the coup, but their suffering has worsened significantly under current conditions.
The organization urged the Karen National Union, or KNU, to work with local civil-society organizations to develop cross-border markets and livelihood opportunities for displaced communities.
It also recommended increasing women’s participation at every level of decision-making, providing vocational and capacity-building training, and ensuring that assistance addresses the needs of pregnant women and caregivers.
According to the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People, or CIDKP, more than 1.2 million people have been displaced across southeastern Myanmar since the 2021 coup.
KHRG Research and Advocacy Director Saw Albert said Karen villagers had faced displacement and hardship for many years, but women were disproportionately affected.
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- MMA fighter Phoe Thaw faces new charge shortly before expected release
m.CDM — 22 July
Myanmar MMA fighter Thaw Htoo Naing, better known as Phoe Thaw, has reportedly been charged again under Section 51(c) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.
He is currently serving a seven-year sentence in Insein Prison and had been expected to be released in September 2026.
The new case was reportedly opened by Bahan Township Police Station under instructions from Yangon Region’s minister for border affairs and security. The case is being heard at Kamayut District Court.
Phoe Thaw was arrested after being injured in an explosion at the Team PT MMA and Fitness Gym in Utopia Tower near Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon in May 2021.
He was later charged under three explosives-related provisions and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Sources said the new charge may be connected to a tribute letter Phoe Thaw sent to MMA world champion Aung La N Sang after the fighter announced his retirement. The letter was reportedly sent through the prison department’s official correspondence system.
Section 51(c), under which he is now charged, relates to the illegal possession of weapons or ammunition and carries a possible prison sentence of up to ten years.
Legal sources said the new case could further delay his release.
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- Woman killed in junta drone attack in Singu Township
m.CDM — 22 July
A woman was killed and at least one man was injured when junta forces carried out drone attacks on villages in Singu Township, Mandalay Region, despite there being no fighting in the area.
According to local sources, junta troops stationed in Kyun Gyi village dropped three bombs from drones on Kyet Tu Yway village at around 6:50 p.m. on 21 July.
A 50-year-old woman was killed, while local reports said two other civilians were injured.
On 9 July, junta troops north of Letpanhla village also fired howitzer shells that landed in Sin Thay and Ywar Taw villages, injuring at least six civilians.
The Wetlet Information Network warned residents of villages along the river to remain alert because the junta continues to attack populated areas with fighter jets, artillery, and bomb-carrying drones.
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- Junta carries out 15 Mi-35 attacks in Myaing and burns villages
m.CDM — 22 July
Junta forces reportedly carried out at least 15 attacks using an Mi-35 helicopter near Thin Ma village and the Thin Ma road junction in western Myaing Township, Magway Region.
Seven attack runs were reported at around 1 p.m. on 22 July, followed by another eight at about 5 p.m. The full extent of casualties and damage remains unknown.
Junta troops stationed in Thin Ma village also burned civilian homes and fired 120-mm artillery shells. Two residents were reportedly killed when shells exploded in Wet Pho village.
From 23 June to 22 July, the military column conducted operations across numerous villages in Myaing and Pauk townships and allegedly killed at least 26 local residents, according to the Anyar Myay Civil Society Organization–Myaing.
In a separate incident, a junta column raided Kammagyi village in Khampat area, Tamu District, Sagaing Region, on the night of 21 July and burned civilian homes.
The number of destroyed houses and details of possible casualties are still being investigated.
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- Junta accused of killing 24 civilians in Myaing and Pauk within two months
m.CDM — 22 July
The Anyar Myay Civil Society Organization–Myaing reported that junta troops conducting operations in Myaing and Pauk townships killed 24 civilians within approximately two months.
The organization released details on 22 July concerning killings, arson attacks, and efforts to conceal victims’ bodies.
The military column first entered Myaing Township on 23 June and reportedly killed six civilians from Tharsi, Hnan Si Kan, Meiktila, Wet Pote, and Kone villages.
On 2 July, troops entered Htauk Sha Pin village in Pauk Township and allegedly killed five residents, including a woman with a mental-health condition.
On 13 July, the column returned to Myaing Township and reportedly killed five civilians from Kan Net, Myin Koe Thit, Kaing Taw Ma, and War Yin Chai villages before hiding their bodies.
After troops entered Kon Lat village on 18 July, residents later found one male victim, another burned body, five burned bodies in Baw Tone village, and the body of an elderly man with a mental-health condition in Than Chaung village.
The organization said the eight victims had been brutally tortured and killed.
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- Five junta soldiers killed in Thaton fighting; civilian property burned
m.CDM — 22 July
Two clashes occurred in Thaton Township, Doo Tha Htoo District, a KNU-administered area, after a junta column advanced into the region.
According to the KNU Central Committee, five junta soldiers were killed and nine wounded in fighting with resistance forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army, or KNLA.
More than 100 troops from Infantry Battalion 8, artillery battalion 314, and an allied Pyu Saw Htee militia entered areas near Tettu Kone and Kyet Che Khat villages on 5 July.
Fighting occurred on the morning of 5 July and again around midday on 6 July. The KNU said there were no casualties among the KNLA-led resistance forces.
After suffering losses, junta troops allegedly seized civilian goods and vehicles transporting products from Thailand. They later burned some of the goods and two cargo trucks.
Troops also reportedly broke into civilian homes near a pagoda entrance between Tettu Kone and Kyet Che Khat villages, stole household property, and burned six houses.
They also looted goods from a grocery shop owned by Naw Moe Moe in Tettu Kone village.
A truck driver transporting goods from Thailand and a local resident named Khun Htet Oo were reportedly beaten, tortured, and detained. They have not yet been released.
The KNU said military operations and fighting continue to threaten civilian lives, homes, property, and security.
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- Insein Township police station attacked with explosive device
m.CDM — 22 July
Yangon Army said it attacked Insein Township Police Station on the evening of 21 July using a high-powered explosive device fitted with two hand grenades.
The attack reportedly took place at about 7:25 p.m. while police personnel were stationed at the entrance checkpoint during heavy rain.
The group said it was still investigating possible casualties among junta security forces.
Yangon Army also stated that it would intensify attacks against individuals serving in a government formed through what it described as an illegal election, as well as against junta-linked business figures.
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- Tamu residents urged to temporarily relocate amid intense fighting
m.CDM — 22 July
The Tamu Township Emergency Administration Central Committee has urged residents to temporarily move to safer locations because of intense fighting in Tamu Township, Sagaing Region.
The announcement, dated 21 July, applies particularly to people living in areas of Tamu District under the control of the National Unity Government.
Fighting has intensified as junta forces attempt to regain control of the Asian Highway through Tamu District.
The emergency administration said the military was using artillery and carrying out daily airstrikes, creating a constant threat to civilian lives.
The statement urged residents to temporarily leave their villages during military operations to avoid artillery attacks, airstrikes, and the risk of being taken hostage or killed by junta forces.
It also warned that action could be taken against those who refuse to relocate from dangerous areas despite official instructions.
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- Junta extends martial-law period in 58 townships
m.CDM — 22 July
The junta has extended martial law for another 90 days in 58 townships that it has largely been unable to regain control over.
Two townships in Chin State—Tonzang and Falam—were excluded from the extension.
The previous martial-law order covering 60 townships was announced on 23 April and expired on 21 July. The junta’s proxy legislature approved the 90-day extension on the same day.
The affected areas include townships in Kachin, Karenni, Karen, Chin, Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Rakhine, and Shan states and regions.
Among them are Sumprabum, Shwegu, Injangyang, Sawlaw, and Chipwi in Kachin State; Shadaw, Hpasawng, and Mese in Karenni State; Kawkareik and Kyainseikgyi in Karen State; and Kanpetlet, Thantlang, Paletwa, Mindat, and Matupi in Chin State.
In Sagaing Region, the list includes Kawlin, Pinlebu, Khin-U, Wetlet, Kani, Depayin, Pale, and Indaw. In Magway Region, it includes Pauk, Myaing, Saw, Htilin, and Yesagyo, while Ngazun Township is included in Mandalay Region.
Several Rakhine townships controlled by the Arakan Army, including Ramree, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Gwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, Mrauk-U, Thandwe, Ann, and Taungup, are also listed.
In Shan State, the townships include Namtu, Mabein, Kutkai, Namhkam, Hseni, Kunlong, Namhsan, Mantong, Hopang, Laukkai, Konkyan, Momeik, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Mongla.
Some of these towns have been controlled by ethnic armed alliances since Operation 1027. The list also includes Mongla, where there has been no major conflict, and Hopang, which is controlled by the United Wa State Army.
Resistance groups urged residents in the affected townships to remain alert and take security precautions.
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- Myanmar citizen arrested in Mae Sot with four FPV drones
m.CDM — 22 July
Thai authorities arrested a Myanmar citizen in Mae Sot, Tak Province, after suspecting that he was attempting to transport four FPV drones and related equipment into Myanmar.
Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau said authorities inspected a private delivery company after receiving information that FPV drones would be sent from Mae Sot to Myanmar.
They discovered two suspicious boxes that had been shipped from Chiang Mai.
A 28-year-old Myanmar man who arrived to collect the boxes was arrested near a restaurant along the Asian Highway in Mae Sot.
The seized items included four fully assembled FPV drones and 16 types of drone-related equipment, including frames, motors, cameras, and control devices.
Police later searched the suspect’s room and found another box containing additional drone equipment.
The detained man reportedly said he was only collecting the boxes for another person and did not know what was inside.
Thai police said he is being investigated for possession of untaxed goods and attempting to transport restricted items. Further legal action is being prepared at Mae Sot Police Station.
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That concludes today’s m.CDM Domestic News program.
The reports presented today were provided by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.
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