- Sagaing floods leave 23 dead and two missing
The National Unity Government (NUG) said flooding across Khin-U, Kanbalu, Kyunhla, Taze, Shwebo, Kawlin and Depayin townships in Sagaing Region has killed at least 23 people, with two others still missing.
More than 450,000 people across over 20 townships in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay and Ayeyarwady regions have reportedly been affected by flooding.
In western Shwebo Township, a local resistance member helping with flood rescue operations died after being bitten by a viper while crossing strong floodwaters.
Authorities linked to the military have also been accused of obstructing relief efforts, including threatening to seal the homes of people helping flood victims and confiscating medicines and food supplies at the Sagaing Bridge checkpoint.
Despite these difficulties, local administrative and humanitarian groups reportedly rescued a pregnant woman by boat on August 9 and helped her safely give birth.
The NUG also warned that a low-pressure system could form over the Bay of Bengal on August 13, potentially strengthening the monsoon and worsening flood conditions.
2. Airstrikes reportedly kill civilians in Rakhine, Chin, Shan and Magway
The Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) said military airstrikes in Thandwe, Ann and Mrauk-U townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State killed 19 civilians and injured 26 during the first 11 days of August.
The organization condemned attacks on civilians and religious buildings and called for stronger international action over alleged war crimes.
In Mabein Township, northern Shan State, repeated military airstrikes since late July reportedly killed four civilians, injured eight others and damaged Mabein Hospital and more than 20 homes.
In Myaing Township, Magway Region, attacks involving gyrocopters and Mi-35 helicopters reportedly killed two civilians and injured three. Three villages in Salin Township were also bombed, leaving five civilians injured.
3. Nine military personnel reportedly killed in Thayet clash
Resistance forces said a military column of about 35 troops was attacked near Puzinda village on the Thayet-Mindon road in Magway Region on August 12.
The fighting lasted around 30 minutes, and resistance sources claimed nine military personnel were killed.
After the clash, the military reportedly withdrew into nearby villages, prompting warnings about possible airstrikes and artillery attacks.
In northern Shan State, fighting near Nyaung Ni village in Momeik Township was followed by military airstrikes that injured a Buddhist monk. Two other villages were reportedly bombed the next day despite no fighting taking place at the time.
4. CRPH pledges to continue struggle for equality and federal democracy
On the 76th Karen Martyrs’ Day, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) said it would continue working toward the political goals for which past martyrs sacrificed their lives.
The CRPH emphasized equality, self-determination and the establishment of a genuine federal democratic union.
It also expressed confidence that greater unity and strategic cooperation among resistance groups through the Steering Council for the Establishment of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) could help build a new future for the country.
5. KNU chairman says military dictatorship is nearing its end
KNU Chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win said Myanmar’s military leadership is increasingly losing control of the country and that signs of the dictatorship’s eventual collapse are becoming clearer, although the military has not abandoned its political ambitions.
In a speech marking Karen Martyrs’ Day, he accused the military of refusing to address political problems through peaceful means and of using ethnic and religious divisions to maintain its power.
He said resistance from ethnic groups, democratic forces and young people since the 2021 coup has weakened military control across many areas.
According to the KNU chairman, the military has lost numerous bases, towns and territories, but continues to rely on forced recruitment, expanded troop numbers, air power and modern weapons.
He also warned that continued military rule has severely damaged Myanmar’s economy, health system and education sector, forcing many young people to seek work abroad.
He urged ethnic armed organizations, democratic forces and resistance groups to strengthen unity and cooperation in order to bring military dictatorship to an end.
6. Kim Aris says democracy is impossible while civilians are being killed
Kim Aris, son of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, said Myanmar cannot be described as democratic while civilians are being killed, bombed from the air and elected political leaders remain imprisoned.
He said a recent meeting between his mother and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was only a first step and should not be mistaken for meaningful freedom.
Separately, 155 Myanmar civil society organizations sent an open letter urging the ICRC not to allow itself to be used for political propaganda by the military authorities.
The groups said photographs of the meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were used to create the impression that conditions in Myanmar were returning to normal.
They called on the ICRC to seek unrestricted access to political prisoners and detention facilities, avoid participation in military propaganda events and consider speaking publicly when confidential humanitarian diplomacy fails to produce meaningful results.
7. NUG sends Myanmar athletes to Dili International Marathon
At the invitation of Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, the NUG sent a three-member Myanmar athletic delegation to compete in the 2026 Dili International Marathon.
The athletes competed in the 21.1-kilometer half marathon on August 8.
A male runner, Ko Arthur, finished in 1 hour, 45 minutes and 53 seconds and won first place in the men’s 40-49 age category. Two female runners finished in 1:59:30 and 2:29:45, placing 15th and 39th overall among women.
The following day, President Ramos-Horta received the three athletes at his residence. The meeting reportedly included discussions about his own revolutionary experience, memories of Myanmar and views on the current Spring Revolution.
8. Former conscript attacks local official in Mandalay
In Mandalay, a young man who had returned from compulsory military service allegedly stabbed a local administrative official whom he blamed for having him forcibly recruited in 2024.
The incident took place on the evening of August 11 in Chanayethazan Township.
The young man had reportedly been taken for military service under the second conscription intake and later returned after completing his service.
He allegedly sought out the official who had arranged his recruitment and attacked him with a knife.
The official was taken to Mandalay General Hospital for emergency treatment, while the young man was arrested by police under military control.