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Arakan Army and military fighting near Rakhine State; Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army still holds Lashio

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A building inside the Western Regional Military Command (RMC) headquarters in Ann Township, Arakan State, burns before the Arakan Army seized it from the regime on Dec. 20. (Credit: AA)

Arakan Army and military fighting near Rakhine State

The Arakan Army (AA) announced on Monday that intense fighting between it and the military is taking place near Arakan State in areas bordering Bago, Magway and Ayeyarwady regions. The AA added that it has been engaged in battle with Light Infantry Divisions 88 and 99, along with troops from the weapons factories in Magway Region, since Jan. 11. 

“The military’s offensive in the Arakan Yoma [Rakhine Mountain Range], as well as Bago and Magway regions, seems to be to protect its weapons factories and to regain control of the Western Regional Military Command. They are likely attempting to secure the factories by establishing defensive lines near the Bago and Magway borders [with Arakan],” said a political analyst on the condition of anonymity. 

The regime’s Directorate of Defence Industries (DDI) operates 25 weapons factories with 15 located in Magway Region and seven in Bago Region. The AA claimed that the military has suffered significant casualties and has retreated several times from the frontline in Arakan. This has left behind numerous dead soldiers, along with their weapons, ammunition and supplies. 

Fighting between the AA and the military in Arakan is happening in Kamingan (Kammyinkan), Paneyaysan, and Kyakyesan villages of Ann Township, as well as along the Ann-Padan road which connects Arakan to Magway. In Ayeyarwady, fighting was reported at Point 369 Hill near Chinsu village of Yekyi Township. The AA has 14 out of 17 Arkan townships under its control. The state capital Sittwe, the vital port town of Kyaukphyu, and the island of Manaung remain under regime control.  

Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army still holds Lashio

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) told DVB that retreating from Lashio Township was not outlined in the China-brokered ceasefire agreement it signed with the regime in Naypyidaw on Jan. 18. Lashio is located 107 miles (172 km) south of the Burma-China border town of Muse, in northern Shan State, and 243 miles (391 km) north of the Shan State capital Taunggyi in southern Shan.

“We have not received any order to retreat and continue to remain in Lashio. The town is operating normally,” an MNDAA source told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Rumors of the MNDAA retreating from Lashio spread on social media after it signed the ceasefire with the regime, which walked out of the first-round of talks last month because the MNDAA refused to relinquish control of Lashio.

The MNDAA took full control of Lashio after it seized the Northeastern Regional Military Command (RMC) headquarters on Aug. 3. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the ceasefire between the regime and the MNDAA after both sides met for a second round of talks in Kunming on Jan. 16. No details of the ceasefire agreement have been reported by regime media. 

News by Region 

Kanan village in Khampat town of Tamu Township, Sagaing Region, was hit by an airstrike on Jan. 16. (Credit: CJ)

SAGAING—Another airstrike was carried out by the Burma Air Force on Khampat town of Tamu Township on Monday, BBC reported. This is the second airstrike on Khampat, located 242 miles (389 km) northwest of the regional capital Sagaing, since the National Unity Government (NUG) announced plans to establish its first ministerial offices in Sagaing. 

“Two fighter jets dropped bombs,” said an anonymous source in Khampat. Phone and internet services have been disrupted, so the number of casualties is unknown. On Jan. 16, airstrikes on Khampat town and Kanan village killed two, including an infant, with at least seven injured. Khampat, located near the Burma-India border, has been under NUG control since November 2023.

SHAN—The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) stated that a woman was killed, two others were injured, and two buildings were destroyed by airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force on Nawnghkio town, on Tuesday. Nawnghkio is located 75 miles (121 km) northeast of Mandalay in northern Shan State. 

“An elderly woman was killed instantly as the bombs landed twice onto an administration office,” a Nawnghkio resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Some Nawnghkio residents, who had fled their homes due to fighting, returned to the town while others are sheltering temporarily in the fields outside of town. Nawnghkio came under TNLA control on July 10.  

KACHIN—Two civilians, including a Chinese national, were killed when the Burma Army dropped bombs from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as a drone, on a banana plantation along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road in Waingmaw Township, located 17 miles (28 km) east of the Kachin State capital Myitkyina, on Monday.

“The military thought there were [Kachin Independence Army] soldiers there, so they conducted a drone strike,” a Waingmaw resident told DVB. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and its allied resistance groups, launched an offensive to take the southern Kachin city of Bhamo, 105 miles (169 km) south of Myitkyina, on Dec. 4. The KIA launched its statewide offensive against the regime on March 7.  

NAYPYIDAW—Regime Minister of Information Maung Maung Ohn said on Tuesday that the media should not cover news that could be deemed harmful to the military. He said that all forces resisting the regime, which seized power after the 2021 coup, are considered “terrorist groups.” He added that legal action will be taken against anyone caught supporting them. 

The regime has banned the publication of 10 books with “obscene content” for LGBTQ+ themes. It has threatened to prosecute online content creators for sharing videos that may be deemed harmful to Burmese culture. The publishing licenses of at least 11 book publishers, 15 media outlets, eight printing services, and one magazine, have been revoked by the regime since 2021. 

(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,620 MMK)

Film fundraiser for Myanmar IDPs in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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A film fundraiser for the 3.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Myanmar was held at Chiang Mai University (CMU) Communications Innovation Center (CIC) on Jan. 20. (Credit: DVB)

A film fundraising event for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Myanmar, who have had to flee their homes due to conflict, was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Monday. The films “Wide Awake,” starring Min Maw Kunn, and “Together,” starring members of the resistance to the 2021 military coup, were screened at the Chiang Mai University (CMU) Faculty of Mass Communications.

“All of the costs [associated with the film screenings] were proudly covered by Together Productions. One hundred percent of all proceeds from [the] event will be donated to IDPs,” said Min Maw Kun, a Myanmar actor and musician.

“I didn’t expect there to be so many people at first. I’m very grateful to the fans who came to the theatre,” said Sai Zat, an official from Together Productions. Organizers told DVB that nearly 28 million MMK ($6,034 USD) was raised for IDPs in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magway regions from the film screenings on Jan. 20.

Myanmar actor and musician Min Maw Kun at Chiang Mai University (CMU) Communications Innovation Center (CIC) for the film fundraising event on Jan. 20. (Credit: DVB)

Hospital in Karenni State performs nearly 500 surgeries in 2024

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The 0-1 Medical Team performs a surgery on a patient at its hospital in a resistance-controlled area of Karenni State in an undated photo. (Credit: O-1 Medical Team)

The O-1 Medical Team, a healthcare service offered in the resistance-controlled areas of Karenni State, announced on Sunday that its hospital had performed a total of 499 major surgeries, including 195 emergency surgeries, in 2024. 

“We used to warn patients and their guardians that their lives may be in danger at any time not because of the surgeries but because of the regime’s airstrikes,” Soe Yan Naing, a O-1 surgeon, told DVB. 

“There was one time that we, including the patient who received surgery inside the operating room, had to run toward the bunker due to airstrikes.” 

The O-1 Medical Team stated on Jan. 19 that it had treated over 4,000 people injured in the fighting between resistance and regime forces, or for existing health issues. 

“We have been facing many difficulties and challenges, running the hospital and providing medical support to the people, but we promise that we will continue our good work in 2025 with the help of donors inside and outside of the country,” added Soe Yan Naing.  

The O-1 Medical Team also provides care at two clinics, where internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of the resistance can receive free medical treatment four days per week. It stated 614.7 million MMK ($136,602 USD) was spent on maintaining its medical services in 2024. 

Medical students at the University of Medicines (1) Yangon Students’ Union established O-1 Medical Team in May 2021 following the violent crackdown on peaceful anti-coup protests by the military. 

Its members, who had joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) following the Feb. 1, 2021 coup, fled to Karenni State and opened the first O-1 clinic before establishing a hospital on May 24, 2021. 

“There were 20 people when we started operating the hospital. But now, we have over 50 people running [operations],” said an O-1 Medical Team spokesperson.

The O-1 Medical Team, along with Nway Oo Kyan Mar Clinic and We Support Heroes, launched a fundraising campaign from May 31 to June 30 last year called “Project Jivaka.” 

It aimed to collect 300 million MMK ($64,655 USD) to allow the three local groups to continue providing free access to medical care to the IDPs and members of the Karenni resistance.

Trade in northern Shan State resumes following ceasefire; Resistance groups accuse regime of drugging its troops

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Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army leader Peng Daxun was reportedly receiving medical treatment in China in November. (Credit: Kokang Information Network)

Trade in northern Shan State resumes following ceasefire

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) announced that it had granted permission for the free passage of goods in northern Shan State between “Wa State” and the Kokang Self-Administered Zone on Monday. This followed a ceasefire agreement between the military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Kunming, China on Jan. 18. 

“Oil and some goods have started to flow back in [to Burma from China],” said Nyi Rang, the spokesperson for the UWSA, which governs Wa State – known officially as the Wa Self-Administered Zone in northern Shan. He added that due to China’s border closure last year, towns in Hopang District located along the Burma-China border face shortages of engine oil and construction materials.

Hopang is located 336 miles (540 km) northeast of the Shan State capital Taunggyi and 92 miles (148 km) east of Lashio. It is one of six townships in the Wa Self-Administered Division. Several border gates, including the Fang Sai bridge, Chinshwehaw, Laukkai and Namtit (Mankha), were reportedly reopened on Jan. 20. The China-Burma border has five key trade posts: Muse, Chinshwehaw, Lweje, Kanpaikti and Kengtung.

Resistance groups accuse regime of drugging its troops 

Ethnic armed groups and anonymous sources in the military told DVB that the regime has been giving narcotics to soldiers on the frontline across Burma, which has resulted in a rise of military casualty numbers. Over 30 pro-military Pa-O National Organization (PNO) members killed in recent fighting were allegedly drugged.

“The military has forced Pa-O villagers to take drugs after finishing short-term combat training to fight aggressively, leading to rising fatalities. We’ve heard reports of villagers being shot if they refuse to comply,” said Khun Rein Yan, the spokesperson for the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA), an ethnic armed group which has joined the resistance since the 2021 military coup.

In December, the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) told DVB that detained military personnel confessed that they had been forced to take methamphetamine on the frontline. Resistance forces believe that this may be a military strategy to keep its personnel from considering desertion. DVB requested comment from the regime but received no response. 

Representatives of four Mon resistance groups announced the formation of a unified force at an undisclosed location in Mon State on Jan. 19. (Credit: MPA)

Four Mon resistance groups unite against military in Mon State

Four Mon resistance groups, the Mon Liberation Army (MLA), the Mon State Defence Force (MSDF), the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF) and the Mon National Liberation Army – Anti-Dictatorship (MNLA-AD), announced on Sunday that they were unifying to enhance military operations in Mon State. They held a meeting for the newly-established Mon resistance force in an undisclosed location of Mon State on Jan. 17.

“The Ramanya Joint Military Column will establish a base in a strategically suitable location and carry out military operations within Mon territory. Once the column is formed and roles are assigned, active military campaigns will commence,” said Thiri Mon Chan, the head of public relations and communications for the Ramanya Joint Military Column.

Mon ethnic armed groups operate in southeastern Burma’s Mon and Karen states, as well as Tanintharyi Region. The MSRF and the MSDF have been engaged in military operations around Ye Township, which is located 86 miles (138 km) south of the Mon State capital Mawlamyine. The Ramanya Joint Military Column hopes to unite all remaining Mon ethnic armed groups opposed to the 2021 coup. Read more. 

News by Region 

ARAKAN—Two out of three cargo ships from Bangladesh seized by the Arakan Army (AA) were released on Monday, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The three ships were transporting goods from Yangon to Teknaf, in southeastern Bangladesh, when they were seized by the AA along the Naf River on Jan. 16. 

Cargo ships transporting goods from Burma to Bangladesh have been stopped by the AA since it took control of Maungdaw Township on Dec. 8. Syed Mohammad Anwar Hossain, the manager of United Land Port in Teknaf, confirmed the arrival of two ships on Jan. 20. He added that he is awaiting information about the third ship from the AA.

KAREN—Regime media reported on Monday that electricity and internet to cyber scam operations in Myawaddy Township’s Shwe Kokko, located 16 miles (25 km) north of Myawaddy town along the Thailand-Burma border, comes from “other countries.” Myawaddy is 140 miles (225 km) east of the Karen State capital Hpa-An. 

It added that from October 2023 to January 2025, 55,711 foreigners have been deported back to their home countries since leaving cyber scam operations located along Burma’s borders with China and Thailand. Chinese nationals made up the vast majority of those deported at 53,388, followed by Vietnam at 1,149, and Thailand at 648.

The Karen National Union (KNU) accused the regime in Naypyidaw of providing security for the cyber scam operations in Karen State through its Border Guard Force (BGF) and other allied pro-military militias. The KNU called for strengthened cooperation among neighboring countries, including Thailand, China, India, Bangladesh, and Laos, to combat transnational crime.

SHAN—The KNDF told DVB that the military launched a counteroffensive in Moebye Township, located 10 miles (16 km) north of the Karenni State capital Loikaw and 94 miles (151 km) south of Taunggyi, which is under Karenni resistance control. More than 300 military personnel from the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 422 began the attack on Sunday. 

“The fighting is ongoing and intensifying. Last year, the Burma Army sent reinforcements from Pekon to Moebye and tried to recapture the town,” a KNDF information officer told DVB. The Karenni resistance seized control of Moebye in November 2023. Resistance forces claim to control up to 90 percent of Karenni State, which includes Pekon Township of southern Shan. 

Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,640 MMK)

Four Mon resistance groups unite to defeat military in Mon State

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English Editor
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Representatives from the Mon Liberation Army (MLA), the Mon National Liberation Army – Administrative Division (MNLA-AD), the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), and the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF) announced the formation of the Ramanya Joint Military Column after meeting in an undisclosed location in Mon State on Jan. 19. (Credit: MPA)

By Nway / MPA

Four Mon armed resistance groups have announced plans to merge to strengthen their opposition to the regime in Naypyidaw, which seized power after the 2021 military coup, according to an announcement on Sunday.

“The Ramanya Joint Military Column will establish a base in a strategically suitable location and carry out military operations within Mon territory. Once the column is formed and roles are assigned, active military campaigns will commence,” said Thiri Mon Chan, the head of public relations and communications for the newly-established Ramanya Joint Military Column.

This move marks a significant step for ethnic armed groups in Mon State. Representatives of the Mon Liberation Army (MLA), the Mon National Liberation Army – Administrative Division (MNLA-AD), the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), and the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), convened the meeting in an undisclosed location last week.

Thiri Mon Chan added that the primary aim of this new resistance force is to consolidate efforts against pro-regime groups in Mon State. “By operating as a single, consolidated force, the victories of the Spring Revolution and the national liberation movement will be achieved more effectively.”

The MLA, MNLA-AD, MSDF, and MSRF stated on Jan. 19 that the Ramanya Joint Military Column would establish a unified force for all of Mon State, hoping to incorporate all remaining ethnic armed groups opposing the 2021 coup. “The ultimate goal of forming this joint military column is to integrate all Mon armed resistance forces into a single, unified Mon Army,” stated Thiri Mon Chan.

Airstrikes kill 28 military family members at detention camp; Arakan Army seizes village in Ayeyarwady Region

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Survivors identify the bodies of those killed by airstrikes at the Arakan Army's detention camp in Mrauk-U, Arakan State, on Jan. 18. (Credit: AA)

Airstrikes kill 28 military family members at detention camp

The Arakan Army (AA) claimed that a total of 28 people, including children, were killed and 25 others were injured by airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force on an undisclosed location near Ram Creek in Mrauk-U Township of Arakan State on Saturday. The AA seized control of Mrauk-U, located 88 miles (142 km) northeast of the Arakan State capital Sittwe, last February. 

The death toll included children aged two, eight, 11 and 12, as well as those over age 60. They were members of military families scheduled to be released, who had been detained by the AA in Mrauk-U since fighting ended, according to the AA. The military has intensified its aerial bombardments on areas under AA control in recent months as it has seized 14 out of Arakan’s 17 townships.

So far this month, airstrikes have killed over 40 civilians in Ramree Township and at least nine in Kyauktaw Township. The Blood Money Campaign, a coalition of anti-coup activists, is calling for a global aviation fuel ban on Burma. The U.N. urged both the regime in Naypyidaw, which seized power after the 2021 military coup, and the AA to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. 

Arakan Army seizes village in Ayeyarwady Region

The Burma Air Force also carried out airstrikes on Bawmi village of Shwethaungyan town, located 43 miles (69 km) northwest of the Ayeyarwady Region capital Pathein, after it was seized by the AA on Saturday. This is the second village in northern Ayeyarwady to come under AA control since Jan. 10.

“Homes were destroyed and no one who was left behind in the village would have survived,” a Shwethaungyan resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Military personnel withdrew from Bawmi village on Jan. 18 after fighting with the AA ended. Residents said that over 200 homes were destroyed by airstrikes on Friday. 

A source close to the military told DVB that 80 soldiers were injured and 100 are still missing in Bawmi. The AA took control of Magyizin village of Shwethaungyan town, which is located 20 miles (32 km) south of Gwa Township in southern Arakan, after it seized full control of Gwa on Dec. 29. The Burma Navy has stationed its warships off the coast of Ayeyarwady.  

Chin National Front members allegedly arrested in India

India’s Mizoram State authorities announced that they arrested five members believed to belong to the Chin National Front (CNF), including a senior leader, with six AK-47 rifles, 10,050 rounds of ammunition, and 13 magazines during a raid near Saithah village in Mizoram’s Mamit district, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported on Thursday. 

“One of [the five arrested] is a member of CNF but not the [Chin National Army]. The weapons and ammunition are also not for the CNF,” Salai Htet Ni, the CNA spokesperson, told Chin World on Jan. 17 in response to the arrests. Indian police accused the CNF members of smuggling the weapons from neighbouring Bangladesh into India.

The authorities also accused a Bangladeshi armed group called the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-P) of being involved in the weapons smuggling. Mizoram State shares a 316 mile (510 km) long border with Chinland. The CNF is a founding member of the Chinland Council, one of the two factions of the Chin resistance formed after the 2021 coup.

News by Region 

Makeshift homes located next to the railway tracks in North Okkalapa Township of Yangon. (Credit: DVB)

YANGON—North Okkalapa Township residents told DVB that more than 16 households, near Paywatseikkon train station in Tadagyi ward, have been ordered to leave their homes by Feb. 1. The 16 households are planning to file an appeal at the township court. Residents claimed that they received “smart” identification cards from the National League for Democracy (NLD) government which allows them to remain in their homes.

“More than 60 people are staying in the area,” said a Tadagyi ward resident. A Myanma Railways employee told DVB that the residents are being evicted to make way for a new Yangon Circular Railway project planned by the regime’s Ministry of Rail Transportation. North Okkalapa has four train stations and all households near them may soon be facing eviction. 

MAGWAY—A resistance group calling itself the Brave Warriors for Myanmar claimed that nine military personnel, including two officers, were killed during its attack on the regime’s No. 21 Defense Equipment Factory in Seikphyu Township on Saturday. Seikphyu is located 73 miles (117 km) south of the regional capital Magway. 

“The number of casualties, deaths and damages could be increasing. We are quite satisfied with this mission,” the group’s spokesperson told DVB. He added that the military carried out an artillery attack in response. The Defense Equipment Factory, also known as KaPaSa, produces various munitions allegedly used in airstrikes.

MANDALAY—The People’s Defense Force (PDF) claimed that four civilians were killed and two homes were destroyed in Nyaungkon village of Taungtha Township, by two Burma Air Force members from Meiktila Air Base using paramotors, on Saturday. Taungtha is located 82 miles (131 km) southwest of Mandalay. 

“Those things used to come at night time. It happens frequently during this month, causing civilian casualties,” the PDF spokesperson told DVB. He added that at least six rounds of attacks were conducted by the military on Taungtha from Dec. 25 to Jan. 18. Paramotors are a motorized steerable parachute, which can carry at least one pilot, that can fly at speeds from 30-90 miles per hour. 

(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,630 MMK)

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