Hello, and welcome to m.CDM Domestic News. Here are today’s main stories.
- AA claims major military losses in battles in Yekyi and Thabaung
The Arakan Army (AA) announced on August 5 that it inflicted heavy casualties on junta forces and seized weapons and ammunition during recent clashes in Yekyi and Thabaung townships in Ayeyarwady Region.
According to the AA, fighting broke out on August 2 near Rone Pin Village in Yekyi Township after junta reinforcements from the Southwestern Regional Military Command attempted to advance toward Gwa Township in Rakhine State. Two engagements, each lasting nearly two hours, took place between AA forces and battalions under Light Infantry Division 66. Despite the junta’s use of drones and heavy ground fire support, AA troops reportedly repelled the attacks, forcing government forces to retreat with significant losses.
A second clash later that afternoon also ended with junta troops withdrawing in disarray after failing to overcome AA defensive and counteroffensive operations.
Another intense battle lasting nearly two hours occurred east of Thabaung Kalay Village in Thabaung Township on August 1. The AA said it captured weapons and military supplies during these engagements.
The group also accused the junta of expanding offensives across Magway, Bago, Ayeyarwady, and southern Chin State while continuing airstrikes and naval bombardments against civilian areas, including hospitals, schools, and religious buildings in AA-controlled parts of Rakhine State.
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- More than 90 clashes reported in Hpapun District
The Karen National Union (KNU) reported that over 90 clashes occurred in Hpapun (Mutraw) District during July between KNLA Brigade 5 and junta forces.
According to the KNU, 55 junta personnel were killed and 43 wounded, while one KNLA soldier was killed and two were injured. Junta artillery and airstrikes also wounded five civilians and damaged four schools and six homes.
Elsewhere, resistance groups attacked junta vessels transporting copper from the Letpadaung mine along the Chindwin River in Sagaing Region on August 4. They claimed five soldiers were killed and one military vessel and one barge were severely damaged.
A bomb explosion was also reported near the General Administration Department office in Sagaing City on August 5, although the extent of the damage remains unknown.
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- Seven civilians, including a six-month-old infant, killed in separate attacks
At least seven civilians, including a six-month-old baby, were killed in separate incidents in Karenni, Tanintharyi, Bago, and Rakhine states and regions.
In Hpruso Township, Karenni State, two drone-dropped 60 mm bombs struck Daw Ku Lay Village on August 4, killing five civilians, including an infant, and injuring three others.
In Tanintharyi Township, airstrikes on Lamine Kauk Village killed a 63-year-old woman and damaged two homes.
In Kyaukkyi Township, Bago Region, an airstrike injured six civilians, including children.
Meanwhile, near the border of Sittwe and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine State, junta troops reportedly opened fire on displaced civilians fishing near Nanttha Island, killing one man and injuring two others.
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- Thousands displaced by military operations in Magway Region
Residents of Myaing and Chauk townships in Magway Region continue to flee as junta troops conduct ground operations and burn villages.
Homes in Yar Gyi Pyin Village were reportedly set on fire on August 5. Earlier operations between mid-July and early August allegedly destroyed more than 200 houses in several nearby villages.
In Chauk Township, troops reportedly burned Narwe Taw Village for a second time, forcing tens of thousands of residents from nearly twenty villages to remain displaced.
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- Local resistance leader apologizes for misconduct by fighter
The People’s Defense Force (Pa Ka Pha) in Phaungpyin Township, Sagaing Region, publicly apologized after one of its members assaulted a civilian.
The township commander personally visited the victim’s family, accepted responsibility on behalf of the organization, and apologized. The victim’s family welcomed the gesture and expressed hope that resistance fighters would continue treating civilians with respect.
The local defense force said it would strengthen internal discipline and reinforce standards of conduct toward the public.
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- NLD urges caution over ICRC meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi
The National League for Democracy (NLD) warned against interpreting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)’s meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as evidence of a positive political breakthrough.
While welcoming humanitarian efforts by the ICRC, the NLD said meaningful progress should be measured by an end to violence, the unconditional release of all political prisoners, respect for the public’s democratic mandate, and inclusive political dialogue involving all stakeholders.
The party also emphasized that ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus should remain the framework for resolving Myanmar’s political crisis.
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- Myanmar community in the UK protests against diplomatic engagement with Min Aung Hlaing
Myanmar nationals in the United Kingdom staged demonstrations in London on August 4, calling on foreign governments not to legitimize junta leader Min Aung Hlaing through official invitations or diplomatic engagement.
Organized by the Myanmar Unity Movement, protests took place outside the Myanmar, Thai, Malaysian, and Singaporean embassies. Demonstrators also called for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, full implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, and greater international support for Myanmar’s democratic movement and the National Unity Government (NUG).
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- Kachin State CDM Civil Servants Council holds leadership handover
The Kachin State CDM Civil Servants Council (KSCCSC) held an online leadership handover ceremony on August 4.
The event included speeches by representatives of the Sagaing Federal Unit, the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM), and KSCCSC leadership. The council reviewed its first-term achievements, introduced newly elected executive members, formally transferred responsibilities, and received congratulatory messages from allied organizations across Myanmar’s Civil Disobedience Movement.
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- Global Karen Advocacy Network launched
Karen organizations and activists from Myanmar and around the world have established the Karen Worldwide Advocacy Network (KWAN) to promote Karen rights, civilian protection, humanitarian assistance, self-determination, and democracy.
The network brings together Karen civil society groups from Kawthoolei, Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Its priorities include expanding humanitarian support, increasing international recognition, combating transnational crime and online scams, cutting financial and military support to the junta, and strengthening international sanctions.
KWAN leaders also urged ASEAN, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to deepen engagement with Myanmar’s ethnic resistance organizations and civil society groups.
That concludes today’s m.CDM Domestic News. Thank you for listening.